Meet the Characters and Setting!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the main characters in a story.

• Describe the setting of a story, including the place and time.

• Explain how characters and setting work together in a story.

Warm-Up Activity:

Imagine you are going on an adventure! Close your eyes and picture yourself in a magical forest. Who do you meet there? What does the forest look like? Is it sunny or dark? Is it daytime or nighttime?

Explanation:

Every amazing story has two super important parts: characters and setting!

• Characters are the people, animals, or even magical creatures that the story is all about. They are the ones who do the actions and have the adventures. Think about your favorite cartoons or storybooks. Who are the main characters? In the story of "The Monkey and the Turtle," who are the main characters? (The monkey and the turtle!) In "Ibong Adarna," who is the main character? (Ibong Adarna, the magical bird, and sometimes Prince Diego, Pedro, or Henrico depending on the part of the story you're focusing on!)

  Characters can be:

  • Protagonist: The main hero of the story.

  • Antagonist: The character who goes against the hero, like a villain.

  • Supporting Characters: Other characters who help or interact with the main characters.

• Setting is where and when the story happens. It's like the backdrop of a play. The setting includes:

  • Place: Is it in a bustling city, a quiet barrio, a spooky cave, a beautiful beach, or even a faraway planet?

  • Time: Is it happening now, long ago, in the past, or in the future? Is it during the day, at night, in the morning, or in the afternoon? What season is it?

  Let's think about "The Monkey and the Turtle" again. Where does the story mostly happen? (In a river, on a raft, and on an island.) When does it happen? (It seems like it happens during the day.)

  In Filipino folktales, the setting is often very important. It can be a place you recognize, like a specific province in the Philippines, or a magical place that only exists in stories. The setting can also affect how the characters feel and what they do. A story set in a dark, stormy night might feel scarier than a story set on a sunny beach!

Guided Practice:

Let's read a short story together and find the characters and setting.

Story: "The Little Carabao and the Mango Tree"

Once upon a time, in a sunny green field in the province of Laguna, lived a friendly little carabao named Kiko. Kiko loved to play under the shade of a big, old mango tree. Every afternoon, after grazing, he would rest his head on the cool grass and watch the fluffy clouds drift by. One day, a strong wind blew, and many ripe mangoes fell from the tree. Kiko happily munched on the sweet fruit.

Now, let's answer these questions:

1. Who is the main character in this story?

2. Where does the story take place?

3. When does the story take place?

Interactive Activity:

"Character and Setting Match-Up!"

I will give you some descriptions. You tell me if it describes a character or a setting.

1. A brave knight who saves a princess. (Character)

2. A dark, mysterious castle on a hill. (Setting)

3. A playful dolphin swimming in the ocean. (Character)

4. A busy marketplace in the morning. (Setting)

5. A wise old wizard with a long beard. (Character)

6. A quiet, peaceful village by a river. (Setting)

Independent Practice:

Read the short story below and then answer the questions that follow.

Story: "Maria and the Enchanted River"

In a small village nestled beside a sparkling blue river, lived a curious girl named Maria. The river was known for its magical properties, and people said that if you listened closely, you could hear it whisper secrets. Maria loved to visit the riverbank every evening, just as the sun began to set, painting the sky with orange and pink colors. One evening, as she sat by the water, she saw a shimmering fish leap out. It seemed to wink at her before diving back in.

1. Who is the main character in this story?

2. What is the setting of the story (place and time)?

3. Describe the setting in your own words.

Real-World Connection:

Think about your favorite movie or TV show. Who are the main characters? Where does the story usually happen? How does the setting make the story more interesting? For example, if you watch a superhero movie, the setting might be a big city where the superhero fights bad guys. The city itself becomes part of the action!

Reflection:

Why do you think it's important for a story to have characters and a setting? How do these two elements help make a story exciting or meaningful?

Summary:

Today, we learned about characters and setting! Characters are the stars of the story – the people, animals, or creatures. The setting is where and when the story happens. Both characters and setting are like the building blocks of any great story, helping us understand what's going on and making the story come to life.