Assignment #1 - If you were the main character in your novel, how would you be dealing with the situation they are currently facing? Be specific. What would you be thinking, feeling, and doing?
I am currently reading the book Men of Stone where a 15 year old teenager Ben is being bullied at school as well as having troubles with his friends and family. This is a hard time for Ben but his great Aunt Frieda from Russia comes along and tries to help solve his problems by telling him her stories of Russia and how much she suffered because of the government. So far, Ben has been threatened on the phone and has been receiving notes by Claude(the bully). Ben tries to stay as far away as possible from Claude but that's impossible since Claude always finds a way to irritate Ben somehow. Suddenly Stan runs away last talking to Ben saying something about California because of his parents non stop fighting. Its really hard for Ben to live with all these problems around him since his mom is keeping herself wrapped up and upset from the death of his Dad. Ben tries to know more about his Dad but his mom keeps her feelings and stories inside and never mentions anything so Ben goes to his great Aunt Frieda seeking for answers, but he unfolds more then just dedtils about his dad, he starts understanding the rough times in Russia and his families background.
If I was Ben the I wouldn't be able to hold myself up this much with all these problems. First of all, I would want to seriously get rid of Claude somehow even though it involves parents or teachers. At least that problem would have been gone. Claude probably has as reason for annoying Ben so I would ask him his problems and tell him that if he doesnt stop bullying me then adults would be involved. If Claude still doesnt listen, I would first go to the principle which would more defenitley contact Claudes parents, that would hopefully solve that problem.I would have probably been feeling confused because of all that's going on, and annoyed that no one understands what he's trying to say. I would also try to sooth my mom and try to help her let go her depression and help her start a new life so maybe I could find out more about my dad and live a new life. If my best friend had ran away I wouldn't get all worried, I would actually give him/her some time to be alone and come back after they've recovered their problems and also give all the details of what I knew about Stan and his problems to his parents. Aunt Frieda on the other hand, I would be least worried about but I would try to get closer to her and listen to her stories to make her feel less lonely. That's mainly what I would do if I was the main character in this so far, but their could be other possible answers.
