This site from Utah Education Network asks students to examine the traits of heroes, both real and fiction, as a precursor to developing their own heroic characters. There are many detailed questions and activities that can help your students flesh out their characters. Once they have created their heroes, they can present them to an audience by using multimedia. Many resources are referenced as well as extension activities and assessment plans. Although this is a lesson plan written for primarily for grades 3-5, it is certainly adaptable for upper grades.
courtesy of Knovation
