Blizzard Bag #3 -- Literary Genograms!

Assignment: Create a "genogram" for the characters in your most recent book -- Hamlet (A1 & A2) or The Boys in the Boat (B Block).  This can be done using a drawing or painting app, or on a sheet of paper with a few colored pencils or markers.  Include colored "relationship" lines between the characters.  Note: you'll find the key for the various types of relationships below.

"What is a Genogram?" from genopro.com: 

A genogram (pronounced: jen-uh-gram) is a graphic representation of family dynamics.  It tries to convey a sense of the relationship between two individuals, and -- when turned into a family tree -- can explore the complexities of a whole family.  

Originating in the field of clinical psychology, Genograms allow therapists and their patients to quickly identify and understand various patterns in the patient's family history which may have had an influence on the patient's current state of mind.  

Genograms were first developed and popularized in clinical settings by Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson through the publication of a book in 1985. Genograms are now used by various groups of people in a variety of fields such as medicine, psychology, social work, genealogy, genetic research, and education. 

The basic genogram symbols for a male and a female who are married look like this:

Set up like a family tree, it looks like this:

To show the relationships between two characters, the connecting line is embellished like this: 

The complete relationship key looks like this:  

The tricky part, of course, is to determine which connecting symbol is the most appropriate.  You CAN combine symbols or colors to create your own complex and precise relationship symbols (for example, two green dashed lines for "temporary conflict between friends"), but you might need to label or explain your choices.  

Note: Some characters will not fit on the main "family tree".  Secondary family units can be placed next to the main family unit.  Add those characters wherever they can fit around the main character like a web diagram.  

Here's a Harry Potter Example of a completed genogram:

Good luck, have fun, stay warm :)  --Mr G.