The 3D character
Like all of Harper Lee's characters, although fictional, Mrs. Dubose is a believable character. She has flaws and failings; while still illustrating a realistic personality and persona of the 1930s. Although Mrs. Dubose makes a brief appearance in the plot, she helps develop the story for the reader. Mrs. Dubose can tell a story of her own as well. When characters appear in small cameo roles, they can easily steal the show by creating a believable, relative, complicated, conflicted, and even likable character (despite their flaws).
The 3 Dimensional character is . . .
- flawed
- had his/her own story
- has a unique past
- irrational
- quirky
- often social
- an individual
- believable to the reader
DIRECTIONS:
While keeping the qualities in mind of a 3D character, create your own story for Mrs. Dubose. Give her a back-story. Think, what was Mrs. Dubose like before her addiction to morphine? What illness does she have that initiated this need for pain relief? How did she become addicted to drugs? What inspired her to battle her addiction? What was her upbringing like to develop her racist attitudes and beliefs? Be sure to tell Mrs. Dubose's story in an authentic manner. In this post you should:
- Be creative
- Consider dialect
- Use characterization
- Remember Mrs. Dubose is not simply a bad person, think about her journey that may have led her to speak the way she does to Jem and Scout
- Use evidence from the story to create your response (reference other characters, the time period, Southern lifestyle)
- Keep in mind the 3D character guidelines from above
- This can be written in 1st person (Mrs. Dubose's POV, use "I") or 3rd person (Describe Mrs. Dubose's POV without using "I")
