Retelling a Scene Through Another Character's Eyes

Retell a story event from a different character's point of view, keeping the facts the same.

One powerful way to show you understand a story is to retell a scene from another character's point of view. The events must stay the same, but the thoughts, feelings, and noticed details change. First, choose a character who was present. Next, think about what that character could see and hear, what they wanted, and how they felt. Then retell the scene using I and me.

Original scene: 'Tomás spilled paint across the classroom floor right before the principal walked in. His friend Dara quickly tossed her art smock over the puddle. ' Retold by Dara: 'I saw the paint spread and Tomás's face turn bright red. I heard footsteps in the hall. Without thinking, I threw my smock over the mess and smiled at the principal like nothing had happened.

' Same events, new perspective.

• 1Keep the events the same; change the perspective.
• 2Think about what the character saw, wanted, and felt.
• 3Retell in first person, using I and me.