Create two characters, a protagonist and an antagonist. Students in each session will be divided into work groups to "create" characters. (I do need to know how many "groups" in each session, which looks to be about an hour long for each one, but has to be an even number.)

Depending on the size of the classroom and the time frame, I think if we can get "four" groups to each session. Two groups will work together, one on the "antagonist" and one on the "protagonist." Then the groups will swap characters after a time limit and continue to "develop" the characters. This gives both groups a chance to work on each character. I will provide a storyline for each of the "two" groups who work together, with the setting and ultimate goal.

After groups develop the traits, goals, personalities of "protagonist" and "antagonist," or "hero" and "villain," they will be told that their "antagonist" has evolved into their "hero" and the "protagonist" has evolved into the villain. Teachers will know this from the beginning, but the students won't know until "after" they have developed their characters.

They will then come up with the reason why these characters change so dramatically. Will discuss how wanting something so badly might drive a character to do "negative" things in order to get it. Or maybe the goal or the desire to obtain the goal actually drives the character to "persevere and prove to herself/himself" that he/she can change, that he/she does have what it takes to succeed, etc.

The catch is swapping the roles of protagonist and antagonist. The reason is to show that all characters have positive and negative traits, and that all characters have "motives." Also, it shares with the students, "It's not where you begin, but where you end up," that's important. So, in essence, the "antagonist" who started out as a villain can turn into a hero.