A Midsummer Night’s Dream Characters

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 play, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With a character map, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!

Using a character map for Shakespeare is even more beneficial. It also allows students to record nuances of characters and identify dramatic foils. The ability to visually see contrasts helps students with understanding, and assists in reviewing. It also makes it easier for students to keep track of the myriad of characters that appear in the play.

Copying the assignment will provide you with both the example above and a blank character map template to customize as you wish. Printing it as a worksheet for your students to complete while reading is a fast and easy way to incorporate this character map into your classroom.

It is important to focus on each of the character's particular love interests and motivations. When Puck creates a love triangle, it further confuses the already complicated situation. Look at the character map below, and take notice of the particular pairings.

Example:

Puck (Robin Goodfellow)

Traits:
Fairy, Trickster

View of Love:
What's that?

Quote about Dreams:
"If you were offended, think of this play as a dream... "

What conflict does this character cause?
Mischief, thy name is Puck! He causes Titania to fall in love with Bottom, and both Lysander and Demetrius to fall in love with Helena.

Student Instructions

Create a character map for the major characters.

1. Identify the major characters in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and type their names into the different title boxes.
2. Choose a character from the "Classical Era", "Monsters and Myths", or "Greek Mythology" tabs 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 Textables for Traits, View of Love, Quote About Dreams, and What conflict does this character cause?.
5. Save and submit the assignment.