Unit #3: Saints, Sinners, & Sociopaths

Due Mon., Sept., 24th 1-2 pages typed

Option #1 Unlikely Saint Write a story about an unlikely martyr who is oppressed in some way & sacrifices something valuable for a cause. Show the dynamic change within the character, as he or she transforms from an average Joe (or Jane) into a person of integrity & principle. Note the transformation must be realistic. People usually dont change dramatically without some sort of catalyst. Use Mary Ann Bells transformation as a model as you write this story. Your character must be both round & dynamic. Option #2: Unlikely Sinner Write a story about the tragic downfall of a person who is in a powerful position who makes a mistake that changes his or her life forever. Think Reverend Dimmesdale from A Scarlet Letter. Option #3: Dynamic Shift Write a story about a person who changes in some way over the course of the narrative. People usually dont change dramatically without some sort of catalyst. Your character must be both round & dynamic. Option #4: Sympathy for the Sinner Write a story about a person who commits an act that is viewed as immoral by the mainstream society. Examples include cheating, stealing, lying. Portray this character with both honesty and compassion, so that reader experiences a complicated mix of judgment and empathy while reading the story. Option #5: Sociopath Write a story from the perspective of a sociopath or about a normal persons encounter with a sociopathic friend or lover. Your character should exhibit at least three of the following symptoms from the list. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM IV-TR), defines antisocial personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster B) as:[1] A) There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following: 1. failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest; 2. deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;

3. impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead; 4. irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults; 5. reckless disregard for safety of self or others; 6. consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations; 7. lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another; B) The individual is at least age 18 years. C) There is evidence of conduct disorder with onset before age 15 years. D) The occurrence of antisocial behavior is not exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or a manic episode.