Submitted by Seamus on

I cant post this twice, but This month I have given my people an assignment to craft a period persona and at our next meeting we will read our creations most will be composits than real people but based on some of the actuall players in history, is there any advice for us from those who have done it before? pros and cons of real vs. composite ?
Seamus

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I’ve have toyed a little

I’ve have toyed a little with first person but am no way even remotely experienced in it. I developed the outline of a persona based on ideas after reading the book “Confederate Yankee” which is the collection of letters/diary of William Edmund Drummond.

First Person

We do first person at the Third Maine. My personal favorite was when the ladies entered the camp as US Sanitary Commission Members. See my Blog for details.

http://nhrn.blogspot.com/2008/08/us-sanitary-commission-visits-third.html

The best first person I have ever seen was at Appomattox Court House National Park. A gentleman was a soldier through out the war and told of all his experiences. He didn't miss a beat even when the audience spoke of modern things.

Miss Deb

Multiple Personalities

Maryland Bible Society Member: This lady tries to ensure that the boys
receive religious guidance and enters camp handing out cards or pamphlets.
The truth is that she is a spy and is actually seeking information on where
the troop is going. She also is the cousin of Rose Greenhow the Washington
DC spy for the Confederacy. I only do this persona when I am with the Union.
I have letters from Rose in my basket along with maps of the Railroads

Private Bergeron's Wife: I am a camp follower because we lost our farm when
the private joined the war. He is never seen around camp because he is on
picket duty or in the brig for drinking and gambling. I am not a spy.

The Company Seamstress: The clue to this persona is that I have my tent and
there is a sign on it reading "Seamstress". The funniest part of this is
that I don't machine sew very well at all.
My "brother" Michael is in the unit I work for but is usually a prisoner of
war. I usually have letters from him in my tent. Most import is that the
Seamstress is true to the company and not a spy. Hey, come to think of it,
there are a few privates that owe me money for sewing I have done!

Train Patron: This is the most fun and challenging persona because at these
events both my companies are represented and fighting each other. Usually I
am pro union and have some knowledge if healing skills. I use my knitting
needles to remove bullets and have "morphine" tablets (Altoids actually) to
help those in pain. I try to be nice to my Rebels too though they always
outnumber the union at these events.