Activity Overview
An essential part of any story is its characters. Characters drive plot forward and help create and resolve conflicts. Characters are also the main reason a story exists. However, as a story is told, characters often change or evolve with the plot. Whether being hit by forces outside their control or due to figurative internal battles, many of a character's attributes are a result of the events that occur. For students, it is important to track the evolution of a character so that they can fully understand what effects and influences can change a person. Using the character evolution lesson plan below, engage your students with a character evolution map!
A fantastic assignment for students would be to track Kino’s character progression throughout the novel. The pearl clearly affects Kino more than any other character and because of this, he evolves and changes greatly from the exposition to the resolution. Using the template and example below have your students find quotes or use describing words to explain the change in Kino from the beginning to the end.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows the evolution of Kino throughout the course of The Pearl.
- Use the Character Evolution Template to get started.
- Break the story down into Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. What traits does Kino have?
- Illustrate one or more of the traits for each stage of the story.
- Identify major events in each part of the story that affected Kino.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Evolution Traits and Analysis | The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point clearly shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, although some of the analyses might be unclear or inaccurate. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point attempts to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, but some of the analyses may be inaccurate, unclear, or minimal. There is an attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified incorrectly, are missing, or are too limited to score. There is minimal or no analysis to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, and there may be no attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How To Compare the Evolution of Different Characters Throughout the Story
Choose Characters
Ask the students to select at least two characters whose growth they wish to examine. Students should select these characters are carefully reading the story and understanding the themes. Kino and Juana are the main characters in "The Pearl," but students may also take into account the doctor, the pearl purchasers, or other villagers they find interesting.
Examine Changes Throughout
Examine how the catalysts affect each character's attitude and conduct. Think about how people respond to new situations or difficulties. Students may reflect on how Kino used to be a loving and caring person towards his family but as the story progresses, he becomes violent and greedy.
Compare Motivations
Recommend the students to consider the driving forces behind each character at various junctures in the narrative. Is it about surviving, keeping loved ones safe, pursuing personal wealth, or something else? Students can compare the development of two different characters based on their goals and motivations in the story.
Connect With Themes
Investigate how themes have an impact on the development of the characters. Students can make a side by side comparison of the evolution of themes and the evolution of characters and link both the concepts with the help of symbols and visuals. This will enhance their overall understanding of the story.
Reflect and Summarize
Encourage the students to reflect on all the information they have gained so far about all the characters present in the story. In order to have a closer look at this evolution, students can re-create this story through a role-play activity. This will help them summarize their learning and understand different perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Pearl Character Evolution
How does Juana's personality develop throughout the narrative?
Juana starts off as a kind and devoted wife who is genuinely concerned for her family's welfare. As the plot develops, she observes the damaging effects of the pearl on Kino and is increasingly determined to shield their family from its unfavorable effects which results in conflicts between her and her husband.
What sort of development can the students observe in Kino’s character regarding the treatment of material goods?
Kino first sees riches as a way to provide his family with a better life. But as the narrative goes on, he gets more and more attached to the pearl and more and more possessed and fixated on its worth. This leads to his greed taking over and the pearl destroying his content life.
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