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.
(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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.