All Summer in a Day

By Ray Bradbury

Published in 1959

What makes this a Sci-Fi story?

Let’s make a list of all the scientific details included in this story!

1. Setting-

2. Climate-

3. Plant life- (much goes here)

4. Adaptations of humans-

5. Technology-

Talking Points:

• Have you ever been jealous of someone? How did these feelings cause you to act toward the person?

• Have you ever stereotyped someone? Have you ever been stereotyped? Why do you think this happens?

Characters: (Literary terms)

Protagonist- main character with whom readers can relate.

Antagonist- main character(s) who cause conflict for the protagonist

Flat- character with few personality traits; not well developed by the author.

Round- character with many personality traits; well developed by the author

Static- character who does not change in the course of the story

Dynamic– character who changes in the course of the story

Who’s Who? Match the characters to the correct terms.

Margot

Other children

ProtagonistAntagonistsFlatRoundStaticDynamic

Methods of Characterization:How an author creates a character

• Direct Characterization: an author states what traits the character possesses.

Ex. Johnny is nervous around girls.

• Indirect characterization: the reader must infer what traits a character possesses.

Ex. Beads of sweat develop on Johnny’s brow. His hands shake and his mouth becomes dry. He stutter’s the almost inaudible word “hi” in Victoria’s direction never looking directly into her face.

Indirect Characterization:What types of clues?

• Character’s appearance• Character’s words• Character’s actions• Character’s thoughts/feelings• How other characters react toward the

character

Find at least one example of each of these methods in “All Summer in A Day”

Indirect v. Direct

• Which method of characterization do you prefer as a reader?

• Which method do you think is easier as a writer?

Bridging the gap…When students write, they write for readers.

Therefore, students should SHOW not TELL readers what characters are like.

A Writing Exercise: Working with Methods of Characterization

Choose one of the following sentences and revise it using indirect characterization rather than direct characterization:

1. Jane is sad that her parents are getting a divorce.

2. My brother loves to eat.

3. Stacy is overly confident that she is a good athlete.

4. Terrence is angry at his friend for breaking his iPod.

Example:

• Direct Characterization: Johnny is nervous around girls.

• Indirect Characterization: When Johnny sees Victoria, the beautiful brunette,

approach her locker next to his, beads of sweat begin to form on his forehead. His palms become sweaty. His mouth dries. He tries to find a word, any word to speak. He stutters an almost inaudible “he” instead of “hi” that sounds like the start of an asthmatic attack. Each time he tries to correct his misspeak, a louder more raspy “he” comes out. Victoria glares at him astonished, and yells, “Help, he’s having an asthma attack.” Overwhelmed by his anxiety and his embarrassment, Johnny passes out. At least he now has Victoria’s attention.

Why is characterization important in a story?

“All Summer in a Day”- Bradbury’s characterization of Margot assists in conveying his purpose for writing this story, his message or theme.

What is the message or theme?

* Remember: Theme is a complete sentence that is a message about the human experience

Author Note: Ray Bradbury

• Born in 1920 and is still alive and writing!

• Published The Martian Chronicles in 1950 and became an established science-fiction writer.

• Published Fahrenheit 451 in 1953, his masterpiece

• Considers himself not a science fiction writer but a magician with the ability to make things appear and disappear right in front of you without you ever knowing what has happened.