Lesson Plan
Character Design Blueprint
Students will be able to design unique characters by exploring expression, form, and personality, applying principles of character design to create their own original concepts.
Understanding character design is crucial for storytelling, animation, and visual arts. This lesson will empower students to bring their imaginative ideas to life, develop critical thinking skills in visual communication, and lay a foundation for future creative projects.
Audience
9th Grade Group
Time
120 minutes
Approach
Hands-on design, guided exploration, and practical application.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Bringing Characters to Life Slide Deck, Drawing paper or sketchbooks, Pencils, erasers, and coloring materials, Expression Sheet Template Worksheet, My Hero/Villain Character Project Guide, and Character Design Assessment Rubric
Prep
Review Materials and Prepare Workspace
20 minutes
- Review the Character Design Blueprint Lesson Plan, Bringing Characters to Life Slide Deck, Expression Sheet Template Worksheet, My Hero/Villain Character Project Guide, and Character Design Assessment Rubric.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up.
- Gather drawing supplies (paper, pencils, erasers, coloring materials).
- Print copies of the Expression Sheet Template Worksheet and My Hero/Villain Character Project Guide for each student.
Step 1
Introduction: What Makes a Character POP?
15 minutes
- Begin with a warm-up discussion: "What are your favorite characters from movies, games, or books? What makes them memorable?" (5 minutes)
- Introduce the lesson using the Bringing Characters to Life Slide Deck (Slides 1-3). Emphasize the importance of personality, expression, and unique form.
- Briefly explain the project students will be working on: creating their own character.
Step 2
Elements of Character Design
30 minutes
- Continue with the Bringing Characters to Life Slide Deck (Slides 4-9), covering core elements like silhouette, proportions, expressions, and color palettes.
- Show examples of how small changes in these elements can drastically alter a character's perceived personality.
- Engage students with questions: "How does a character's posture tell us about their mood? What colors would you associate with a mischievous character?"
Step 3
Expression Exploration: Faces and Feelings
25 minutes
- Distribute the Expression Sheet Template Worksheet.
- Explain the task: students will practice drawing various facial expressions and body language cues for a hypothetical character.
- Circulate and provide individual feedback, encouraging students to exaggerate features to convey strong emotions. Use examples from the Bringing Characters to Life Slide Deck (Slide 10) as inspiration.
Step 4
Brainstorming and Concept Development
20 minutes
- Introduce the My Hero/Villain Character Project Guide.
- Guide students through initial brainstorming for their own character, focusing on personality traits, backstory, and visual cues.
- Encourage sketching different ideas and iterating on their concepts. Remind them to think about the character's role (hero/villain) and how that influences design choices.
Step 5
Initial Sketching and Peer Feedback
20 minutes
- Students begin sketching their character based on their brainstorming.
- After 10-15 minutes, facilitate a quick peer feedback session. Students share their initial sketches with a partner and provide constructive criticism based on the principles discussed.
- Emphasize positive and constructive feedback, focusing on how design choices contribute to personality and expression.
Step 6
Wrap-up and Next Steps
10 minutes
- Review the main concepts covered: silhouette, expression, form, and personality.
- Briefly discuss the ongoing My Hero/Villain Character Project and what students should work on for homework or future sessions.
- Collect Expression Sheet Template Worksheets.
- Remind students that their final project will be assessed using the Character Design Assessment Rubric.
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Slide Deck
Character Creations: Unleash Your Imagination!
What makes a character unforgettable?
- Personality
- Expression
- Unique look
- Story
Let's explore how to design characters that truly POP!
Image: A collage of diverse, expressive cartoon and fantasy characters.
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about their favorite characters and what makes them stand out. This slide sets the stage.
Your Mission: Character Design Blueprint
Objective:
- Design unique characters.
- Focus on expression, form, and personality.
- Apply core principles of character design.
Why it matters:
- Bring stories to life.
- Communicate ideas visually.
- Develop creative problem-solving skills.
Image: A blueprint or schematic with a character silhouette.
Introduce the learning objective. Explain why character design is a valuable skill, not just for artists but for storytellers in general.
Our Creative Journey Today
- Introduction: What makes a character memorable?
- Design Elements: The building blocks of great characters.
- Expression Exploration: Drawing feelings!
- Brainstorming: Your own hero/villain.
- Sketching & Feedback: Bringing ideas to paper.
- Wrap-up: Next steps for your project.
Image: A winding path or journey icon.
Briefly outline the journey for today's lesson. This gives students a roadmap and manages expectations.
Secret #1: The Power of Silhouette
What is a silhouette?
- The outline or shadow of a character.
Why is it important?
- Instant Recognition: Can you tell who it is just by their shape?
- Conveys Personality: A hunched shape vs. a tall, proud one.
- Clear and Unique: Avoid generic shapes!
Activity: Show examples of famous character silhouettes and ask students to identify them.
Image: Several distinct character silhouettes (e.g., Mickey Mouse, Batman, Spongebob).
Start with the very foundation: the silhouette. Explain its importance in quick recognition and conveying essence.
Secret #2: Proportions & Body Language
Proportions:
- Realistic: For grounded characters.
- Exaggerated: For cartoony or fantastical characters.
- Tall, skinny, short, stout?
- Large hands/feet, tiny head?
Body Language:
- Posture: Slumped, upright, leaning?
- Gestures: How do they hold their hands? What do their feet do?
Image: A character sheet showing different body proportions and a character in various poses.
Move to proportions and body language. Discuss how exaggerated or realistic proportions can tell a story about a character.
Secret #3: Faces Tell Tales – Expressions!
How do characters show what they feel?
- Eyes: Wide, squinting, narrowed?
- Eyebrows: Raised, furrowed, arched?
- Mouth: Smiling, frowning, open, pursed?
- Head Tilt: Curious, angry, sad?
Exaggeration is key!
- Push emotions to make them clear.
Image: A grid of a single character's face showing 6-8 different emotions (happy, sad, angry, surprised, confused, mischievous).
Focus on facial expressions. This is key for conveying emotion and relatability. Show common expressions and how they change features.
Secret #4: Details, Details, Details
What else makes a character unique?
- Clothing: What do they wear? Is it practical, stylish, or symbolic?
- Accessories: Glasses, hats, jewelry, weapons?
- Hair: Long, short, spiky, curly, bald?
- Props: Do they carry anything special?
Image: A character with various clothing options and accessories, highlighting how they change the character.
Discuss how clothing, accessories, and hairstyles contribute to a character's identity and story.
Secret #5: The Psychology of Color
Colors can tell a story without words!
- Warm Colors (Reds, Oranges, Yellows): Energy, passion, danger, happiness.
- Cool Colors (Blues, Greens, Purples): Calm, mystery, sadness, nature.
- Neutrals (Blacks, Whites, Grays): Sophistication, evil, purity.
Think about:
- What feeling do you want your character to evoke?
- What are their main personality traits?
Image: A character shown in different color palettes, demonstrating how color changes mood.
Introduce color theory in character design. Explain how colors evoke emotions and can represent aspects of a character's personality.
Putting It All Together
Remember our secrets:
- Silhouette (Unique shape)
- Proportions (Body build)
- Expressions (Showing feelings)
- Details (Clothing, accessories)
- Color (Mood and personality)
Great characters are more than just drawings; they are stories waiting to be told!
Summarize the key design principles. Reiterate that these elements work together to create a cohesive character.
Time to Practice: Expression Sheet Template
Your Task:
- On your Expression Sheet Template Worksheet, draw one character showing different emotions.
- Focus on how eyes, eyebrows, and mouth change.
- Don't be afraid to exaggerate!
Example emotions: Happy, Sad, Angry, Surprised, Confused, Mischievous.
Image: An example of a completed expression sheet.
Introduce the worksheet and explain the task. Encourage students to be expressive and even a bit silly with their drawings.
Your Epic Quest: My Hero/Villain Character Project
Now it's your turn to be the master creator!
- You will design an original hero OR villain character.
- Think about their personality, backstory, and how their design reflects who they are.
- Use all the design principles we've discussed!
Image: A split image of a heroic and a villainous character.
Transition to the main project. Explain that they will apply what they learned to create their own original character.
How Will You Be Graded? The Rubric!
Your My Hero/Villain Character Project will be assessed using the Character Design Assessment Rubric.
Key areas:
- Concept & Originality
- Application of Design Principles
- Technical Skill & Presentation
- Effort & Engagement
Image: A stylized open book or scroll with a magnifying glass.
Explain the final assessment. Highlight the rubric so students know how their work will be evaluated.
Keep Creating!
Great job today!
- Continue brainstorming and sketching your character for the My Hero/Villain Character Project.
- Think about how your character's story influences their look.
What kind of story will YOUR character tell?
Image: A silhouette of a character walking towards a sunset or new horizon, symbolizing creativity and future possibilities.
Conclude the lesson, reminding students of the project and encouraging them to continue exploring character design. Prompt them with a final thought to spark curiosity.
Worksheet
Expression Sheet Template: Show Your Character's Feelings!
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Instructions: Choose one of your character ideas (or create a simple one for practice). In the boxes below, draw your character's face showing each of the emotions listed. Pay attention to how the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth change to convey different feelings. Don't be afraid to exaggerate!
Character: _________________________
1. Happy/Joyful
2. Sad/Upset
3. Angry/Frustrated
4. Surprised/Shocked
5. Confused/Puzzled
6. Mischievous/Sneaky
Reflection:
Which emotion was the easiest to draw for your character, and why?
Which emotion was the most challenging, and what did you learn?
Project Guide
My Hero/Villain Character Project: Design Your Legend!
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
Project Goal:
Design an original hero OR villain character. Your character should have a clear personality, a sense of their story, and a distinct visual appeal that uses the character design principles we discussed.
Deliverables:
-
Character Concept Sheet (1-2 pages)
- Main Pose: A full-body drawing of your character in a dynamic pose.
- Three Expressions: Show three different emotions your character might display (e.g., happy, angry, surprised, determined, cunning). These can be busts or headshots.
- Key Details/Props: Draw or list any important accessories, weapons, symbols, or unique clothing elements.
- Color Palette: A small section showing the main colors used for your character.
-
Character Backstory & Personality (Paragraph or Bullet Points)
- Name: What is your character's name?
- Hero or Villain: Clearly state which role they play.
- Key Personality Traits: List 3-5 adjectives that describe them (e.g., brave, sneaky, kind, ruthless, clumsy).
- Brief Backstory: Where do they come from? What motivates them? What is their goal?
- Special Abilities/Powers (Optional): If applicable.
Design Principles to Consider (and apply!):
- Silhouette: Does your character have a unique and recognizable shape?
- Proportions & Form: Are their body shapes and sizes intentional? Do they match their personality?
- Expressions: Do their faces clearly convey emotion?
- Details: Do their clothing, accessories, and hair enhance their character?
- Color Palette: Do your chosen colors reflect their personality and role?
Project Steps:
- Brainstorming (In-Class & Homework): Think about ideas for a hero or villain. What kind of story do you want to tell? What makes them interesting?
- Sketching & Iteration (In-Class & Homework): Draw multiple rough sketches. Don't settle for your first idea! Try different poses, expressions, and outfits.
- Refinement: Choose your strongest design and refine it. Pay attention to line work and clean details.
- Finalize Character Concept Sheet: Create your final drawings (main pose, expressions, details, color palette).
- Write Backstory: Develop your character's personality and history.
- Review: Check your work against the Character Design Assessment Rubric before submission.
Due Date: _________________________
Good luck, and have fun creating!
Rubric
Character Design Assessment Rubric: My Hero/Villain Project
Student Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
| Criteria | 4 - Exceeds Expectations | 3 - Meets Expectations | 2 - Developing | 1 - Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept & Originality | Character is highly original, compelling, and clearly articulated with a unique backstory and personality. | Character is original and demonstrates a clear concept, backstory, and personality. | Character shows some originality, but concept, backstory, or personality are somewhat underdeveloped. | Character lacks originality; concept, backstory, and personality are unclear or generic. |
| Application of Design Principles (Silhouette, Proportions, Expressions, Details, Color) | Demonstrates exceptional understanding and skillful application of ALL design principles, resulting in a visually striking and cohesive character. | Effectively applies most design principles; character is well-designed and communicates intended personality/role. | Applies some design principles, but inconsistencies or weaknesses in application hinder overall design. | Shows minimal application of design principles; character design is weak or confusing. |
| Technical Skill & Presentation | Drawings are highly skilled, clean, and polished with excellent attention to detail. Concept sheet is meticulously organized and professional. | Drawings are clear and well-executed with good attention to detail. Concept sheet is organized and easy to understand. | Drawings show effort but may lack refinement or clarity. Concept sheet is somewhat disorganized or incomplete. | Drawings are unrefined or incomplete. Concept sheet is poorly organized or missing key elements. |
| Effort & Engagement | Consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, active participation in feedback, and went above and beyond project requirements. | Showed consistent effort, participated in feedback sessions, and completed all project requirements. | Showed inconsistent effort or limited engagement in feedback. Met most requirements. | Showed minimal effort or engagement. Did not meet basic project requirements. |
Teacher Comments:
Total Score: ______ / 16