Character Case Study: The Enigmatic Alex

Alex was always an enigma in group projects. Brilliant, certainly, but equally elusive. When the English class was assigned the complex task of adapting a Shakespearean play into a modern short film script, the team—Sarah, Ben, and Chloe—initially rejoiced when Alex was assigned to their group. Alex had a reputation for insightful analysis and witty dialogue.

Their initial enthusiasm, however, quickly began to wane. The first week's task was to brainstorm the modern setting and character parallels. Sarah, ever the organizer, created a shared document for ideas and scheduled a virtual meeting. Alex responded to the meeting invite with a single emoji: thumbs up. During the meeting, Alex's camera was off, and their contributions were minimal, mostly vague agreements with Sarah's suggestions.

"Don't worry," Ben reassured the others, "Alex always pulls through at the last minute. They just work differently." Chloe, however, was growing concerned. Two days before the first draft was due, Alex still hadn't added any substantial ideas to the shared document. Sarah had messaged Alex several times, receiving only short, delayed replies.

The night before the deadline, Sarah stayed up late, piecing together the modern adaptation with Ben's help, integrating the few fleeting ideas Alex had offered. Just as the clock turned to midnight, an email from Alex arrived. It was a perfectly crafted, five-page outline for a unique scene, complete with dialogue and character motivations. It was brilliant, but entirely different from the direction the rest of the group had taken. It was also too late to incorporate without completely overhauling their work.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Describe Alex's behavior throughout the project. What specific actions (or inactions) stand out?
2. How would you describe Alex's dependability as a group member? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How did Alex's actions affect the other group members and the overall progress of the project?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If you were Sarah, Ben, or Chloe, how would you feel about Alex's contribution? How might this impact future collaborations with Alex?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Digital Collaboration Board: Analyzing Reliability

Instructions:

Your group will use a digital collaboration board (e.g., Jamboard, Padlet, Google Slides) to discuss and document your analysis of the Reading: Character Case Study. Designate one group member to set up your digital board. Each group member should contribute to the discussion and adding content to the board. Your board should include responses to the following prompts:

1. Character Traits: Create a section or frame on your board to list descriptive words and phrases for Alex. What kind of person is Alex based on the reading?

2. Evidence of Dependability/Unreliability: For each trait you identified, find specific quotes or actions from the text that serve as evidence. Use different colored sticky notes or text boxes for dependability vs. unreliability.

   • Example: "Alex responded to the meeting invite with a single emoji: thumbs up." (Evidence of minimal engagement)

3. Impact on Plot: How did Alex's actions (or inactions) specifically affect the progression of the group's project (the "plot" of their collaboration)? Brainstorm at least three direct impacts.

4. Real-World Connection: Reflect on how Alex's self-management (or lack thereof) impacted the group. What lessons can be learned about being a reliable member in a collaborative project in real life?

5. Group Reflection: Discuss within your group: What strategies could Alex have used to be a more reliable team member? What strategies could the other group members have used to better engage Alex?

Be prepared to share your group's digital collaboration board and discuss your findings with the class!