As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Elijah of Buxton. They will pay close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Elijah of Buxton.
Student Instructions:
Help the students identify the primary characters in the book. Encourage the students to pay attention to the characters who advance the storyline and have major roles to play in it to examine the connections between the characters. Think about amicable, hostile, and family relationships and observe how these connections change as the narrative progresses.
Ask the students to analyze and discuss the motivations and main roles of each character present in the book. This will help them understand why some characters act a certain way or interact with each other in a specific way. Students can view the story from a holistic perspective to understand and analyze these motivations.
Themes play an important role in depicting how the characters will interact with each other and form character relationships. Students can examine various themes present in the story and explore why these particular themes were chosen to be present in the story and how they shape the characters, their development, and interactions.
Character development is a major part of a story which can also help students analyze the development of themes and vice versa. Students can also analyze how character development changes the way certain characters interact.
Encourage the students to reflect on all the discussions and analyses that took place so far and ask them to summarize the main points and key findings according to their own perspectives. Students can also support their analysis with the help of text from the book and back their points with logic.
Elijah was raised in the Buxton free society, which gave him a strong sense of justice and freedom. His upbringing shaped his ability to be empathetic and sympathize with people. Though Elijah is viewed as a fragile kid by the rest of society, he is determined to prove them wrong by facing various challenges and obstacles throughout the story.
A few of the difficulties Elijah encounters are seeing the money stolen by the preacher, running across runaway slaves, and overcoming personal challenges with regard to his identity.
Mr. Leroy, Ma and Pa, and other supporting characters provide Elijah with a variety of viewpoints, obstacles, and sources of encouragement, which enhances the narrative's depth.