Charger Challenge

2026 — Draper, UT/US

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Character Spar

Event Description:

Character SPAR Debate is a fast-paced, imaginative debate event where students argue real-world topics through the lens of a fictional or historical character. Competitors must think on their feet, adapt their arguments to match their character’s voice and values, and engage in direct, persuasive clash with their opponent.

Think: debate meets improv.

Purpose
The goal of Character SPAR is to develop quick thinking, creativity, and persuasive speaking. Success comes not just from making strong arguments, but from embodying a character while debating clearly and effectively.

How It Works

Teams & Roles

• 1 student per side: Affirmative vs. Negative
• Each student debates as a chosen or assigned character (e.g., Sherlock Holmes, Hermione Granger, Abraham Lincoln, etc.)

Topic Selection

• The judge provides two possible resolutions
• Coin toss: Winner chooses the topic or side; the other selects the remaining option

Preparation

• 3–5 minutes of prep
• Notes allowed (no internet unless explicitly permitted)
• Students should prepare 2–3 clear arguments consistent with their character’s perspective

Round Structure

(~16–20 minutes total)

• Affirmative Constructive (2 min) – Presents case in character
• Negative Constructive (2 min) – Presents opposing case in character
• Crossfire (2 min) – Direct questioning and clash
• Affirmative Rebuttal (2 min) – Refutes and extends key ideas
• Negative Rebuttal (2 min) – Refutes and extends key ideas
• Grand Crossfire (2 min) – Open, dynamic exchange
• Final Focus – Affirmative (1 min) – Closing argument
• Final Focus – Negative (1 min) – Closing argument

(Times may be shortened for faster rounds.)

Speaker Expectations

• Stay in character while remaining clear and understandable
• Prioritize persuasion over memorization or heavy evidence
• Engage in direct clash — respond, don’t ignore
• Use creativity, humor, and personality without losing argumentative focus

Judging Criteria

• Characterization: Did the speaker convincingly embody their character?
• Clarity: Were arguments easy to follow?
• Clash: Did they directly engage the opponent’s points?
• Persuasion: Were they convincing and compelling?
• Creativity: Did they use the character in a clever, meaningful way?

At its best, Character SPAR is energetic, unpredictable, and highly entertaining—where strong debaters don’t just argue well, they become someone else to do it.