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!
Clicking "Copy Activity" will copy both the example above as well as a blank template for you to customize as desired. You may want students to start from scratch, or provide them with the questions and characters! Printing it as worksheets, for your students to complete while reading, is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.
For this character map, try using “OSCAR” so students can analyze multiple aspects of a character through direct and indirect characterization.
The main protagonist and one of the oldest boys. He naturally tries to bring order to the island. He symbolizes society and the need for civilization.
The leader of the hunter group who symbolizes chaos.
Ralph's sidekick who represents science and logic. He wants to help maintain order. However, the other boys tease him and don't respect him. He is killed when Roger rolls a boulder on him.
He represents morality and doesn't fall victim to the evil inside us all. He has a conversation with the 'lord of the flies' and dies soon after.
A cruel sociopath who is Jack's second-in-command. He rolls the boulder onto Piggy, killing him.
Direct and Indirect Characterization Example for Piggy | ||
|---|---|---|
| DEFINITION | EXAMPLE | |
| O |
Other Character's Comments
What do other characters say about the character? |
|
| S |
Speech
What does the character say about others or themselves? How can we infer meaning and traits from what a character says? |
"...on account of my asthma" |
| C | Physical Characteristics
What does the character look like? What descriptive words are used to describe them? |
Heavy, wears glasses, is very intelligent and innovative. |
| A | Author's Attitude
How does the author feel about this character? |
In the beginning of the novel, the author refers to him as the 'fat boy' with 'spectacles' - showing an attitude of partial respect and slight disdain. |
| R | Reader's Reaction
How do you, as the reader, feel about the character? |
The way he is treated in the book is upsetting. He only wants what is best for everyone, even if he is annoying about it. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Give concise definitions of direct and indirect characterization along with relevant textual examples. Indirect characterization can entail illuminating a character's actions or thoughts. Direct characterization, on the other hand, might involve the author articulating a character's attributes or the reaction of the readers or the audience towards the actions of that character.
If students have already read the story and are familiar with the characters, they can choose significant passages from the story that show how various personalities are characterized both directly and indirectly. Teachers can ask the students to focus on the right information based on the type of characterization and the character they are analyzing to save time and be efficient.
Ask the students to make a list of the attributes they would like to differentiate the characters on. For instance, physical appearance, personality traits, and motivations. Teachers can also ask questions like how is the character viewed in the story by other characters, etc.
Ask the students to analyze the characters from their own perspectives as readers. Students can also interview their classmates to find out more about people’s reactions to the characters. Teachers can give the students an activity to write their analysis of a character and compare it with the analysis of the same character by other people by interviewing them.
Help the students to analyze and discuss why the story was actually written by the author and what the author wants the readers to take away from the story. Once students are able to understand the meaning behind the story, they will understand the place and role each character holds in the story and the reason behind it.
Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Simon, and Roger are among the "Lord of the Flies" novel's key characters. These boys are among the passengers who survived the airplane disaster and ended up stranded on a remote island.
Jack begins as the choirboys' leader and is first obsessed with hunting and overpowering Ralph. He eventually leads a hunting group that loves violence and chaos and he develops into someone who is more and more nasty and power-hungry.
The camaraderie between Ralph and Piggy or the competition between Ralph and Jack, for example, underscore the themes of civilization vs. barbarism, order vs. chaos, and the struggle between good and evil. Students can analyze the interactions among different characters to understand the symbolism and themes represented in the story.