Activity Overview
In this activity, students will depict the characters of the story using a character map. Have students pay close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students will provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
The Secret Garden Characters
- Mary Lennox
- Uncle Archibald Craven
- Mrs. Medlock
- Martha
- Dickon
- Ben Weatherstaff
- Colin Craven
- Susan Sowerby
- Dr. Craven
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 character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in The Secret Garden and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Character Traits, Character Changes Over Time, and Challenges Characters Face.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/3] Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How To Help Younger Students Recognize Character Traits
Introduce Character Traits
Introduce the concept of character traits to students and how these traits make up a personality. Ask the students to mention any traits that they know of or they like. Teachers can mention character traits of some popular cartoon characters that students are familiar with as an example.
Provide Vocabulary
Provide students with some character traits vocabulary and words that they can read and familiarize themselves with. For instance, if you are curious it means you want to know more about everything, honest means you do not lie and always tell the truth, etc. Once students are familiar with some basic vocabulary, they will be able to recognize these traits in a better way.
Give Three Words Activity
Once students are familiar with more character traits vocabulary, ask them to describe their personality in three words and the personality of their closest friends in three words. If there is a certain description that students have in their minds but can not find the word for, teachers can provide some guidance.
Recommend Stories with Strong Characters
Encourage students to read books and recommend books with strong characters so that students can get inspiration. Ask the students to highlight as many character traits of the main characters and the side characters as they can find. Students can even list down these traits or create trait charts for different characters.
Giving Positive Feedback
When the students exhibit virtuous attributes, compliment them. Give concrete instances and a justification for why the action was commendable. Help them make distinctions between positive character traits and negative traits and lead by example.
Frequently Ask Questions About The Secret Garden Characters
Who are the main characters present in the story?
Mary Lennox, Colin Craven, and Dickon Sowerby are the central figures in "The Secret Garden". Most of these characters experience healing and growth with the help of the secret garden present in the narrative.
How does Mary's personality develop throughout the narrative?
Throughout the course of the narrative, Mary experiences a dramatic metamorphosis. She develops more compassion, curiosity, and independence as she spends time at Misselthwaite Manor and learns about the secret garden. She gains the ability to establish sincere relationships with people. Everyone is shocked and happy because of Mary’s growth and she also helps other people develop throughout the story.
What other minor characters play a significant role in the narrative?
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