Activity Overview
As students read, a storyboard can serve as a helpful character reference log. This log (also called a character map) allows students to recall relevant information about important characters. When reading a novel, 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!
In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in A Long Walk to Water. They will pay close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in A Long Walk to Water.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the characters in A Long Walk to Water and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character 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 Students Analyze Salva’s Journey and His Development
Analyze the Changes
Assist students with distinguishing between Salva's changes, both internal (emotional and psychological) and external (physical environment, social interactions). Examine how changes within affect those outside. Students can create a table analyzing key changes that Salva experiences and noting them down as “before” and “after”.
Examine Goals and Motivations
Examine the objectives and the driving forces that kept Salva alive and going as he traveled. Ask the students to focus on questions like What enables him to continue? What is the trajectory of his motivations? Think about how these reasons have influenced his growth. Students can also compare these motivations with the main themes of the book and analyze how these goals helped Salva grow as an individual.
Connect With Real-Life Events
Remind the students that Salva is not just a fictional character but an actual person who was able to remain resilient and even play his role in creating this world a better place despite all the obstacles he had to face. Students can compare the events of the story and read further about Salva’s story in order to understand the references and understand the book on a deeper level.
Talk About Personal Reflection
Encourage the students to consider whether parts of Salva's journey speak to them on a personal basis. Regarding their own experiences or worldview, how may Salva's development inspire or connect? Ask the students to connect Salva’s experiences and journey with that of Nya and see how Salva inspired change in other people’s lives.
Encourage Empathy and Understanding
Ask the students to share their thoughts and opinions after reading Salva’s story and getting to know more about his character and personality. Encourage the students to be considerate of the experiences and challenges faced by other people and develop an understanding of the kind of lives people have to live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Characters in “A Long Walk to Water”
Who are the central characters present in “A Long Walk to Water”?
Nya and Salva Dut are the key characters of the book. Their disparate but intertwined journeys in Sudan are followed throughout the book, showcasing their tenacity and perseverance. However, there are other characters who are an integral part of the book such as Salva’s uncle Jewiir and his friend Marial.
What obstacles do Salva and Nya encounter in the narrative?
Salva had to contend with being uprooted, surviving the Sudanese Civil War, and looking for safety. Nya struggles every day to get water for her village and has to endure the difficulties of carrying heavy loads of water on foot. The writer connects both these narratives by analyzing the obstacles faced by both characters and even finds some similarities among the journeys of both characters. This also showcases the impact of Salva’s hard work and resilience on Nya’s life and the lives of many other people.
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