In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding the character’s actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
(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.
Encourage students to share their thoughts on characters by creating an open, respectful environment. Let everyone know that every idea is valued and that it’s okay to see characters differently.
Ask specific, open-ended questions like “Why do you think Jess acted that way?” or “What might Leslie have felt in this moment?” to help students think deeper about each character’s actions and choices.
Invite students to relate the story to their own lives by asking, “Have you ever faced a challenge like Janice?” or “How would you feel if you were May Belle?” This builds empathy and personal engagement.
Display the character map or create a discussion board to track ideas as students share. Visuals help everyone see the connections and make it easy to reference character traits and changes over time.
Have students jot down one new insight they gained about a character after the discussion. This reinforces learning and gives you feedback on what resonated most.
A Bridge to Terabithia character map is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze the main and minor characters in the novel. It highlights each character’s traits, actions, relationships, and development throughout the story.
To create a character map for Bridge to Terabithia, list the major and minor characters, choose visual representations for each, and fill in details about their physical traits, personality, challenges, and how they change. Add scenes or backgrounds that match each character’s role in the story.
Include main characters like Jess and Leslie, as well as important supporting characters such as May Belle, Miss Edmunds, Janice Avery, Gary Fulcher, Brenda, Ellie, Mom, Dad, Bill and Judy Burke, Mrs. Myers, Joyce Ann, Miss Bessie, Prince Terrien, and others relevant to the plot.
Making a character map helps students visually connect character traits, relationships, and development, making it easier to understand the story and analyze how characters influence one another and the plot.
Encourage students to track how a character changes over time, identify key events that influence growth, and reflect on challenges faced. Use guiding questions and connect character actions to story themes.