5+Gen+Tan+Jen+Yang

Characterization Process Writing It is [j1]. Everyone is talking about it and getting presents for him. “I got him a Thomas train!” boasted one particularly nasty boy. Others murmured something about a pack of cards, or a pencil box and other presents. It had been a well known fact that Ryan’s birthday parties were the best in school. Besides the gorgeous decoration, his birthday party was always well organized, well planned and the presents were well chosen. As the end of school drew nearer, Jeremiah ran through the various possible items he could get for Ryan. What about his old class captain badge? No, that would not do, Ryan would not like it. [j2] “Jeremiah, what was Sherlock Holmes doing when he found the bluncicle? This should be easy, you wrote an in depth report on the book.” Dreamily, Jeremiah answered “Ermm…something?” The sun was searing and everyone was as good as baked in a microwave oven. Good thing I detoured to the mall, thought Jeremiah playfully. He did not want his mum to see his sullen face, maybe the mall would cheer him up a bit. That answer during literature lesson was probably a bit bad for the [j3]. The doors opened and a blast of cold air met Jeremiah in the face. His eyes quickly scanned [j4]. [j5] Brilliant billboards and signs made Jeremiah lighten up a bit to the good things that happened up till now. Just then, Jeremiah spotted a tiny shop nudged between two large shops, “toys for tots”, read its sign. “I’ll start with that”, the [j6] From shop to shop, he proceeded, as he entered the fourth shop, Jeremiah overheard a voice. “This candle cracker should stick it to that stupid Ryan for not inviting me.” [j7][j8] , that was what shocked him. The person was Jeremy. Jeremiah was stunned. He did not know what to do, luckily, [j9]  he just hid behind the shelf as white as a sheet and reflected on what he just saw. Get this straight, he told himself, [j10]  Why was that so? Jeremiah knew the answer, not many people liked Jeremy to start with. [j11] I’ve heard of candle cracker before, they look like candles but explode six seconds after they have been lit. Not wanting to wait anymore, Jeremiah rushed out of the mall, he was going so fast, he nearly bumped into  [j12]  Well, sort of, Andy was more bulky, heavy and fit than anyone else in Jeremiah’s class. [j13], Jeremiah picked himself up, and ran home, along the way, he strained is legs to reach the block before Andy. Getting home safe, Jeremiah flunked onto the bed, obviously strained by running. There were so many words whizzing through his mind, first, Ryan’s birthday, then Ryan’s presents, after that, the ‘crime’ Jeremy was about to commit. Jeremy was playful, no doubt, but why would Jeremy want to take revenge, it was not his character. Or was it what was behind his ‘character’. Could it be, Jeremiah thought to himself. “No it can’t.” said Jeremiah to himself, Jeremy was not the one to do this type of things. [j14]. Anyway, that was what best friends did, they helped each other. [j15] [j16][j17][j18] [j19] After a few more minutes of decisive thinking, Jeremiah made up his mind. It was Ryan’s birthday, people were bustling everywhere, the nasty boy who had wanted to bring Ryan a Thomas train had actually brought him a toy car. There were a few transformers and several action figures. [j20] Soon, the time came, Ryan was at his cake with his candles which as Jeremiah knew, were now candle crackers. Just before Ryan lit the candles, Jeremiah leaned closed and said Back at school the next day, Jeremy was shocked to hear that all went well. Well, not exactly shocked, he was furious. He was fuming mad. Jeremiah on the other hand, was asking himself “Was it right or wrong? Was it worth it?” [j21]

 [j1] To create setting  [j2] Creates the motive for Jeremiah to go to the mall. Also shows that Jeremiah cares.  [j3] Jeremiah is a geek.  [j4] Jeremiah is sharp and alert and observant.  [j5] Gives background information on the boys and their characteristics. Shows that Jeremiah actually values companionship.  [j6] Shows that Jeremiah rarely speaks.  [j7] Jeremiah might have reconigsed Jeremy’s voice, but his friendship with Jeremy might have made him think it was someone else in the flash of a moment.  [j8] Cautious boy. Infer: Knows what he is doing.  [j9] Rarely speaks, quit, does not even stammer.  [j10] Thinks like a detective, knows some detective characters. Infer: Smart, knows how to apply things.  [j11] This sorts of displays the motive in putting the candle crackers there.  [j12] This is the first time Andy is seen here in the book. He is not a major character, but still has a rather big role.  [j13] Andy has to question over these things. This might mean that he is nosy. And his tough figure gives him an edge over other people.  [j14] Dilemma seems to be resolved.  [j15] Jeremiah has a sense of right and wrong.  [j16] This shows Jeremy’s character now which is very different from what Jeremiah thinks it is. So there is the dilemma.  [j17] Jeremy has a dilemma too. This further emphasizes the relationship between Jeremy and Jeremiah.  [j18] Dilemma here is shown and developed by telling and not showing.  [j19] Emphasizes the relationship between Jeremy and Jeremiah.  [j20] Despite knowing that he is going to save his friend, Jeremiah is still conscious of right and wrong.  [j21] Open ending lets the reader try and think about what is going to happen. Overall, I think that Jeremiah is going to get scolded. Jeremy is going to get away scott free, and will come looking for Jeremiah soon after. If I do not interfere, the relationship between Jeremy and Jeremiah will become thiner and thinner until it breaks.