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 can become more important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students can record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties that make reading more enjoyable!
Using a character map for Frankenstein is even more beneficial. It allows students to record the nuances of characteristics that create "foil" characters. The information that they record will help them to return and review personalities that contrast. The ability to visually see this helps students create connections and makes understanding concepts easier.
| Victor Frankenstein | Protagonist whose scientific discovery led to the creation of a "monster". |
|---|---|
| The Monster | The creature Frankenstein created is eight feet tall and has the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of a human being. After being rejected by his creator and others in society, he turns to murder to get revenge on Victor, the person he holds responsible. |
| William Frankenstein & Justine Moritz |
The younger brother of Victor, the first victim of the monster, and the maid framed for William’s death. |
| Elizabeth | Victor's cousin, whom he marries. She is killed because Victor will not make a bride for his monster. |
| Walton | An explorer who finds Victor near death and hears his story. Walton's recollections open and close the novel. |
| Henry Clerval | Victor’s best friend and narrative foil; he is cheerful and optimistic. |
| The De Lacey Family | Felix and Agatha are former French aristocrats. The monster learns from them by watching them through a peephole for over a year. |
(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 reference their character maps during class debates or literature circles. This helps students back up their points with concrete details and deepens their understanding of the text.
Demonstrate how to link character traits with specific quotes or passages from the novel. Showing examples on the board builds student confidence and ensures everyone understands how to use evidence effectively.
Pair students to review each other's maps and offer suggestions or questions. This promotes collaboration and encourages students to notice details they might have missed.
Ask students to write a quick reflection about how mapping helped them understand a character’s motivations or relationships. This solidifies learning and provides valuable formative assessment data.
A character map for Frankenstein is a visual tool that helps students track and organize key details about the novel's characters as they read. By recording character traits, quotes, and relationships, students can better understand their roles, spot contrasts between "foil" characters, and remember important plot points, making reading and analysis easier.
To create a Frankenstein character map, list all major characters, choose images or icons to represent them, and fill in boxes with their traits, quotes, and roles in the story. Encourage students to include details on whether each is static or dynamic, and highlight key themes like fear, rejection, or knowledge. This can be done individually or in pairs using paper or digital tools.
Character mapping helps students make sense of complex relationships and subtle character traits in Frankenstein. It supports deeper comprehension by allowing learners to visualize contrasts, track changes, and recall details that are crucial for understanding themes and plot development.
Important character traits for a Frankenstein map include Victor’s ambition, the Monster’s loneliness, Elizabeth’s compassion, Henry’s optimism, and Walton’s curiosity. Highlighting differences, such as static vs. dynamic roles, also helps students analyze character growth and conflicts.
Static characters remain largely unchanged throughout the story, while dynamic characters undergo significant growth or shifts. In Frankenstein, Victor and the Monster are often seen as dynamic characters due to their evolving motivations and perspectives, while others like Henry Clerval are considered more static.