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!
For this more advanced character map, try using “OSCAR” so students can analyze multiple aspects of a character.
| DEFINITION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| O |
Other Character's Comments
What do other characters say about the character? |
"She ugly. He say. But she ain't no stranger to hard work. And she clean... Fact is, he say, I got to git rid of her. She too old to be living here at home. And she a bad influence on my other girls." - Pa |
| S |
Speech
What does the character say about others or themselves? How can we infer meaning and traits from what a character says? |
"I feel bad sometime Nettie done pass me in learnin. But look like nothing she say can git in my brain and stay. She try to tell me something bout the ground not being flat. I just say, Yeah, like I know it. I never tell her how flat it look to me." |
| C | Physical Characteristics
What does the character look like? What descriptive words are used to describe them? |
Skinny, plain, not very pretty |
| A | Author's Attitude
How does the author feel about this character? |
The author paints Celie as self-conscious and unsure of herself. Celie thinks she might deserve better, but doesn't know how to believe it until Shug comes along. |
| R | Reader's Reaction
How do you, as the reader, feel about the character? |
Celie is sweet and kind and selfless, but the men in her life treat her like trash. Even the children treat Celie like she doesn't deserve love. It's infuriating and sad. |
(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 using OSCAR.