While students are reading, it is often helpful to use a storyboard that creates a character reference log. A character map allows students to recall relevant information on characters. When reading a play, it is often little attributes that later return and become an important detail in the plot.
Copying the assignment will give you the example above as well as a blank template to customize as desired. Feel free to use it as is, or tailor it to student abilities! The simplest way to use this character map is to print it out and use it as worksheets for your students to complete while reading!
| Abigail Williams | The major antagonist. She is the niece of Reverend Parris and coerces the girls of Salem to lie about seeing members of the community consorting with the Devil. She was once a servant in the Proctor's home, but was dismissed after an affair with John Proctor. |
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| Reverend Parris | The minister of Salem, MA. He is a father, uncle, and the servant to the Lord. He is often paranoid about his reputation and, at times, power-hungry. His reputation throughout the town is not high. The people of Salem believe he has priorities out of order since he cares more for golden candlesticks than for his parish. |
| John Proctor | A hardworking man in his early 40s who is level-headed and wise. He stands up for what he believes and knows from the beginning: that Abigail is lying and using manipulation to get what she wants. |
| Reverend Hale | Reverend Hale is an expert in witchcraft. This is ironic because there were no real witches in Salem. In the end he begins to see through the hysteria and attempts to undo the damage he's caused. |
| Elizabeth (Goody Proctor) | Elizabeth is a good Christian, wife, and mother. She is married to John Proctor and because of this, is accused of witchcraft by Abigail. |
| The Nurses | Two highly regarded members of Salem, who are accused of witchcraft by the Putnams. It is clear that their jealous enemies have something to gain. |
| Judge Danforth | He is the deputy governor of Massachusetts and the judge who oversees the witch trials. He is overzealous and believes he is a crusader against witchcraft. This clouds his judgment. |
| Tituba | Parris' black slave from Barbados who was the only one practicing any form of 'sorcery' by using voodoo magic. |
(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.
Stress the value of citing reliable, academic sources. Promote the use of scholarly publications, peer-reviewed papers, and trustworthy websites from reputable organizations (such as historical societies, museums, and universities). Encourage the students to perform research using primary sources and get help from an expert if available.
Encourage the students to learn more about the culture and society of that time period as these are the driving forces behind any significant historical event. Students can analyze the prejudices people of that time held, their common grounds, and shared beliefs.
Recommend the students to analyze the background of the important historical figures who were involved in these trials. Guide the discussion using questions like were these people involved directly or indirectly? What sort of impact did these people have during the trials?
After these significant historical events, many artists did and still currently base their work on The Salem Witch Trials. Students can also explore and analyze these works to understand the perspectives of different people.
Encourage the students to evaluate and combine the data they have gathered. Ask students to reflect on the effects of the historical setting on the Salem Witch Trials events and its relevance to the present. Students can also write a critical analysis with the help of accurate data and present their own perspectives.
John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris, Elizabeth Proctor, and Deputy Governor Danforth are among the main characters. Students can reflect on the lives, traits, backgrounds, and motivations of these characters to make a comprehensive analysis of the story.
The Proctor marriage, the interplay between John Proctor and Abigail Williams, and the power conflicts between figures like Danforth and Parris are all significant relationships. Some other relationships like Abigail being the niece of Reverend Parris also play an important role in the story. Students can show these character relationships on the character maps using different colors and symbols.
In the beginning, John Proctor is a troubled and imperfect guy who is divided between his ambitions and his sense of morality. In the terrible conclusion that follows his evolution, he eventually respects his moral ideals. Students can analyze his character growth and the impact of different themes on his development.