Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Ella Enchanted, paying 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Ella Enchanted.
Student Instructions:
Guide students to work together by assigning each student or group a different character from Ella Enchanted. Use a large poster or digital tool to collect everyone’s findings, creating a shared resource that encourages discussion and deeper understanding of character roles.
Distribute character assignments, art supplies, and template sections to students. Encourage creativity in representing physical and personality traits. This approach boosts engagement and provides multiple perspectives on each character.
Lead students in short debates or pair-share talks about their assigned characters’ challenges and growth. This sharpens critical thinking and helps students make connections between characters’ actions and the story’s plot.
Collect all group contributions and assemble them on a bulletin board or digital slideshow. Displaying the finished map lets students see how each character fits into the overall narrative, reinforcing comprehension and pride in their work.
Invite students to analyze connections between characters, discussing how their interactions influence the plot. Use guiding questions to prompt deeper thinking, ensuring students understand the importance of each character’s role in Ella Enchanted.
A character map for Ella Enchanted is a visual organizer that helps students track the main and supporting characters, their physical and personality traits, how they change throughout the novel, and the challenges they face. It enhances comprehension and analysis skills.
To help students create a character map for Ella Enchanted, guide them to identify each character's attributes, select appropriate images or symbols, and fill in details about traits, changes, and challenges. Encourage them to use colors and poses that reflect each character’s role in the story.
The key elements are physical/character traits, how the character evolves during the story, and the main challenges they face or create. Including these details helps students understand character development and plot importance.
Character maps support students in organizing information, visualizing character relationships, and deepening comprehension of novels like Ella Enchanted. They are especially effective for grades 4–6 as they reinforce critical thinking and analytical skills.
Teachers can use Storyboard That, printable templates, or graphic organizers for students to visually map out characters from Ella Enchanted. Digital tools allow for customization with colors, images, and text to match character traits and story details.