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 novel, small attributes and details frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
For Flowers for Algernon, a character map helps students remember each member of the novel and their important traits. Since Flowers for Algernon is written in a journal format, this map also prompts students to look at Charlie’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions to himself and others.
| Charlie | Algernon | |
|---|---|---|
| Important Traits | 32 years old; has an I.Q. of 68 that is increased to 185 by an operation; emotionally immature; feels a connection to the lab mouse, Algernon, who had the same surgery; has an overwhelming desire to learn and “become smart”, which is why Miss Kinnian knows he’ll be motivated enough for the operation. | White mouse with black eyes; soft like cotton; learns how to navigate an intricate maze increasingly well with his increased intelligence; at peak of his intelligence he can be hostile and throws himself against the maze’s walls instead of running the maze to get his food; regresses and dies |
| How Charlie Feels | Charlie wants to get smart, because he feels as if there is something wrong with him. As his intelligence increases, he feels superior to those around him, but he also feels isolated and lonely. | Charlie feels an affinity for Algernon, and seems to understand him. He is impressed by how smart he is. Finally, at the convention, he is so upset with how agitated Algernon is that he sets him free and brings him back to his apartment in New York City. |
| Quote | “Burt kept saying Alice Kinnian feels he has an overwhelm** desir to lern. He aktually beggd to be used. And thats true because I wanted to be smart.” | “Nemur’s conclusions had been premature. For both Algernon and myself, it would take more time to see if this change would stick. The professors had made a mistake, and no one else had caught it. I wanted to jump up and tell them, but I couldn’t move. Like Algernon, I found myself behind the mesh of the cage they had built around me.” |
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.