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.
(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.
Boost engagement by having students create their own character analysis journals. Personalized journals help students reflect on character development, make connections, and deepen understanding of how characters grow throughout the story.
Encourage ownership by letting students focus on one character. Tracking a single character helps students notice subtle changes, motivations, and relationships they might otherwise miss.
Prompt close reading by asking students to note important events and how their character responds. This builds empathy and critical thinking as students consider why characters act the way they do.
Foster collaboration by scheduling regular check-ins where students share insights. Group discussions highlight different perspectives and encourage thoughtful analysis.
Support diverse learners by inviting students to add drawings, favorite quotes, or write letters from their character's point of view. Creative responses make character analysis more engaging and accessible for everyone.
A character map for Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a visual organizer where students identify and describe the main and supporting characters, detailing their traits, relationships, and challenges throughout the story.
Guide students to look at characters’ actions, dialogue, and interactions. Encourage them to use examples from the text to support their ideas, and fill in a character map listing both physical and personality traits.
The main characters are Greg Heffley (the protagonist), his family (Mom, Dad, Rodrick, Manny), and his best friend Rowley.
Have students use a simple template or storyboard tool to select characters, assign images, and list traits, changes, and challenges for each character. This visual activity is engaging and age-appropriate.
Character mapping helps students understand relationships, motivations, and development, improving their reading comprehension and critical thinking about the story.