West Pavilion
Lower Level
Antiquities Galleries Greek Vases

CHARACTERS, ACTIONS, AND SETTINGS
Artists tell stories using characters, action, and settings (or place). They include clues to help identify their characters, posing them so we know what they are doing and feeling, and creating a setting that tells us when and where the story takes place.

#1	READ out loud as a group the episode from a famous myth below.

There once was a young hero named Perseus, who cut off the head of Medusa, a snake-haired monster so hideous that anyone who looked at her turned to stone. The gods helped Perseus kill Medusa. After beheading her, the hero married a beautiful princess. But their wedding banquet was ruined when a jealous man, Phineas, who had once been engaged to the princess, attacked the party.

During the terrible battle, the hero was so outnumbered that he felt he had no choice but to use the ultimate weapon against his attackers—Medusa’s head, which could turn men to stone. The hero warned his friends to cover their eyes, and then held out the monster’s head. Overhearing the warning, one attacker raised his spear and sneered, “Find someone else to frighten with your miracles.” But no sooner did these words leave his lips than his body froze in that position forever; he had turned into a statue made of stone.

#2	FIND the painting in this gallery that shows this story.

#3  	After finding the painting, look at it carefully and with a partner answer the following questions:

Who is the main character? Describe him. What is he doing? Where is he located in the painting?  

Describe the action in the painting—what’s happening?

Describe the setting—where does this take place and how can you tell?

What are three ways that the story and the painting are the same or different? (Write below.)

#4	Share your answers as a group.

WHEN YOU FIND THE PAINTING:

1) What key elements did the artist include to identify Perseus?
2) Name 3 important actions the artist included to tell the story. 
3) What key elements did the artist include to identify the setting of the wedding banquet?

Teacher:  Wrap-up Statement: