The House on Mango Street Character Map

As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This character map allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a story, 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!

You can click on this map and create a copy on your teacher account. Feel free to use it as is, or to edit it for the level or interest of your class. Printing it as worksheets for your students to use while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom. Or, if you prefer, create a blank template for your students to complete!

Esperanza introduces us to many characters, and not all of them are included in the character map. Choose the characters you or your students feel are the most important. You may wish to change the box headings in the storyboard to focus on different aspects, such as occupation or treatment of women/Latinos etc.

Student Instructions

Create a character map for the major characters.

1. Identify the major characters in The House on Mango Street and type their names into the different title boxes.
2. Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
• Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
3. Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
4. Fill in the text boxes for Character Traits, How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character, and What Challenges Does This Character Face.