Character Diary Entry Writing
Write a diary entry from the perspective of a book character at a key moment in the story — exploring their thoughts, feelings, and motivations from the inside.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper or notebook
- 2Pencil or pen
- 3The book being read
What You'll Need
Paper or notebook
Pencil or pen
The book being read (for reference)
How to Play
Choose a character and a key story moment.
Explain: "You ARE this character. Write their diary entry."
Start with a date and "Dear Diary."
Write in first person: what happened, feelings, worries, plans.
Go for emotional depth: scared behind bravery, conflicted feelings.
Read aloud in the character's voice.
Compare to the actual book — did you predict feelings accurately?
Try entries from different characters' perspectives on the same event.
Tips
Writing from a character's perspective requires deep comprehension AND empathy. Your child must understand the character's personality, situation, and emotional state well enough to write AS them. This is literary analysis through creative writing.
Try writing diary entries from two different characters about the SAME event. Seeing the same moment through different eyes teaches perspective-taking at an advanced level.
This activity works with any book, movie, or even historical figure. "Write a diary entry from Abraham Lincoln the night before the Gettysburg Address" turns history into empathetic storytelling.
Encourage honest emotional complexity: characters can feel two things at once (excited AND nervous, happy AND guilty). This nuance develops sophisticated emotional vocabulary.
Keep character diary entries alongside the books they reference. Rereading them months later reveals how your child's comprehension and writing have grown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper or notebook, pencil or pen, the book being read.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 8-12 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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