Storyboarding is a great way to compare and contrast literary elements, characters, or events. Have your students choose an example of similarities and differences from their reading to depict using the storyboard creator. In the storyboard, an example of each similarity and/or difference should be visually represented, along with an explanation of the scene, and how it is similar or different.
In this example, the characters of Felix and Antonio are compared. Because they are the protagonists, it makes sense for students to understand where each boy is coming from and the things that keep their friendship solid. The things that make them different will help students understand more about each boy, and even make informed inferences on the outcome of the fight (as seen in another activity).
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting two characters from "Amigo Brothers".
In order to compare and contrast characters, it is helpful for students to find quotes from the story that tell who each character is. Some students will find this easy to accomplish, while others will need more help.
Students should find the similarities between the characters. This may be their background, their school, the way they talk, the clothes they wear, or any other elements that are the same.
Students should define the differences they see in the characters. There are so many ways they can be different, such as schooling, beliefs, family life, etc. and this is what makes stories interesting.
Students should lay out the differences in characters using a storyboard, and create some illustrations to showcase them. The original quotes will be a part of this, as well as pictures and bullet points.
Amigo Brothers is an interesting story because there are dual protagonists. Both Antonio and Felix are considered protagonists because they move the story along. The story could not exist without both of them together.
Similarities tell us what characters have in common and shed light on why the characters might get along or react in positive ways with other characters. From background to life experiences, similarities teach us a lot about characters.
Along with similarities, differences teach the reader where characters and their interactions might not mesh, and show us how they stand out and apart from each other. The differences teach us so much as the plot moves along.