Character Short Story
This activity is part of the PMA’s virtual April School Vacation Week.
In this activity, you will use simple prompts to write a short story about the figure represented in PEOPLE LIKE US.
Jeffrey Gibson (United States, born 1972), PEOPLE LIKE US, 2018, glass and plastic beads, tin, copper and gold-finished jingles, artificial sinew, quartz crystal, silver-coated copper wire, druzy crystal, nylon thread, nylon fringe, acrylic felt, acrylic paint, repurposed wool blanket, recycled jersey stuffing, rawhide, steel rods, wood block, 60 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 14 inches. Gift of Crewe Foundation and Family, 2019.13. Image courtesy of Roberts Projects © Jeffrey Gibson. Portland Museum of Art, Maine.
what you’ll need:
some paper
a pencil
your imagination
Directions:
First, spend time looking at the work of art closely. Jot down things you notice about it, and some questions you have. What do you like about it? What do you want to know more about? How does this figure make you feel? Who is this figure? What is it made of?
Now, fill out some traits of this character from your perspective.
Give this figure a name.
Where is this figure from?
Why is this figure wearing this outfit?
What might they be doing, or where might they be going
How does this figure communicate? Do they talk? Do they make sound?
What are their hobbies? What do they like to do most
What do they eat?
What makes them happy?
Now that you've thought more about who this figure is, write a short story as if you were them.
Imagine you step into this body and become the character you wrote about. Write a 3 to 5 sentence story or do a drawing. Be creative. Have fun. There are no limits.
Share your story with someone else, or act it out. Imagine all the possibilities.
Why do you think the artist made this figure? Is it the artist or someone imaginary? Discuss.