Use the RAD method to identify the main characters in both story excerpts. Describe the characters. What similarities and differences exist between them? Use details from the stories to compare and contrast the character traits of the two main characters.
compare and contrast Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind, and the novel study book, When Stars are Scattered.
RAD method:
Out of My Mind:
- Role: Protagonist
- Adjective: Intelligent, Determined
- Dialogue: "But inside my head, my thoughts continue to swirl and churn."
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When Stars are Scattered:
- Role: Protagonist
- Adjective: Compassionate, Protective
- Dialogue: "Abbas is not stupid. Don't call him that."
The main character in Out of My Mind is a girl named Melody who is unable to communicate verbally due to cerebral palsy. Despite this, she is incredibly intelligent and determined to be recognized for her abilities. Melody is frustrated by how others view her and often feels trapped by her lack of mobility. She has a strong inner voice and is constantly thinking and analyzing the world around her.
The main character in When Stars are Scattered is a boy named Omar who lives in a refugee camp with his younger brother, Hassan. Omar is compassionate and protective of his brother, often putting his own needs aside to care for him. He dreams of finding a way out of the camp and making a better life for himself and Hassan. Omar struggles with balancing his desire for independence with his responsibility to care for his brother.
Both Melody and Omar face significant challenges in their lives that they must overcome. They are both determined to achieve their goals and refuse to let their circumstances define them. However, there are also differences between the two characters. Melody's disability is more physical, while Omar's challenges come from his socioeconomic status and living in a refugee camp. Melody's intelligence is her greatest asset, while Omar's compassion and protectiveness are central to his character. Overall, both characters are inspiring in their own right and demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit.
Use the RAD Method to describe the theme, or life lesson, the characters in the two stories help the readers understand. Use the plot events, author's language, and literary devices from the two texts to support your answer.
Use Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind, and the novel study book, When Stars are Scattered.
RAD method:
Out of My Mind:
- Role: Protagonist
- Adjective: Intelligent, Determined
- Dialogue: "But inside my head, my thoughts continue to swirl and churn."
- Theme: Perseverance and the power of communication
When Stars are Scattered:
- Role: Protagonist
- Adjective: Compassionate, Protective
- Dialogue: "Abbas is not stupid. Don't call him that."
- Theme: The importance of family and the resilience of the human spirit
In Out of My Mind, the theme of perseverance and the power of communication is central to the story. Despite Melody's physical limitations, she is determined to communicate and be recognized for her intelligence. Through the use of an electronic device that helps her speak, she is able to overcome her barriers and communicate with others. The theme is reinforced through the challenges Melody faces, such as being bullied and underestimated by her peers and teachers. However, Melody persists and proves that intelligence and wisdom come in many forms, even those that are not traditional.
When Stars are Scattered has a theme of the importance of family and the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows the journey of two brothers, Omar and Hassan, who are living in a refugee camp. Despite the difficult conditions and lack of resources, Omar is committed to caring for his younger brother and providing for their family. The theme is demonstrated through Omar's sacrifices and dedication to his brother, as well as the support they receive from their community. The story emphasizes the power of family bonds and the ability of individuals to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Overall, both stories share themes of perseverance, resilience, and the power of human connection. Through the struggles and triumphs of the characters, the authors demonstrate the importance of never giving up and finding strength within oneself and others. The themes are reinforced through the author's use of language, characters' dialogue, and literary devices such as symbolism and imagery.
To use the RAD method (Read, Analyze, and Determine), we will begin by reading both story excerpts, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper and When Stars are Scattered, to identify the main characters. Then, we will analyze and determine the character traits of the main characters in each story and compare and contrast them based on the details provided in the text.
1. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper:
In this story, the main character is Melody Brooks, a young girl with cerebral palsy. Melody is described as intelligent and curious but has difficulty communicating due to her physical limitations. Despite facing multiple challenges, she displays determination, resilience, and a strong desire for people to recognize her capabilities.
2. When Stars are Scattered:
The main characters in this novel study book are Omar and his younger brother, Hassan. Omar is shown as a responsible and caring older brother who takes care of Hassan. He is described as optimistic and resourceful, always seeking ways to make their lives better. Hassan, on the other hand, has a cognitive impairment due to an untold traumatic event. He is non-verbal and relies on Omar for support and communication.
Now that we have identified the main characters, let's compare and contrast their traits based on details from the stories:
Similarities:
1. Both Melody and Omar are portrayed as resilient and determined individuals who face various challenges in their lives.
2. They exhibit empathy and care for others. Melody strives for understanding and recognition, while Omar takes on the responsibility of looking after his younger brother Hassan.
3. Both characters demonstrate intelligence and curiosity about the world around them, despite their limitations.
Differences:
1. Melody's disability is physical (cerebral palsy), while Hassan's impairment is cognitive, and the cause remains undisclosed.
2. While Melody struggles to communicate due to her physical limitations, Hassan is non-verbal and depends on others for communication.
3. Melody's story primarily focuses on her personal journey, whereas When Stars are Scattered revolves around the experiences and challenges faced by Omar and Hassan as refugees.
In summary, Melody from Out of My Mind and Omar from When Stars are Scattered share similarities in terms of resilience, determination, and empathy. However, they differ in the nature of their disabilities, their communication abilities, and the focus of their respective stories.