In this activity students will compare and contrast characters within the text. In this example, Claudia is compared to Jamie.
Claudia is a spender; she has a difficult time saving money and resisting nice things. Jamie is a saver; he would rather walk the distance to the museum then take a bus or worse, pay for a taxi.
Claudia is a planner; she plans out (almost) every detail of the runaway, including taking the train to New York City. Jamie is quick on his feet; when asked why he isn't in school, he instantly describes how his school was forced to cancel school because of a broken furnace.
Claudia wants to return home feeling different, like a heroine. Jamie simply likes running away for the adventure.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting two characters from the novel.
Encourage students to highlight or underline sentences that reveal character traits as they read. This helps them collect clear evidence to support their comparisons and strengthens their close reading skills.
Show students how to create a two-column journal: one side for quoting or paraphrasing key text, and the other for their thoughts on what those passages reveal about each character. This structure makes it easier for them to organize and analyze character details.
Ask students to think about a character trait, pair up to discuss their ideas, and then share with the class. This builds confidence and helps students see multiple perspectives on character behaviors.
Collaborate with students to make visual charts listing character traits and examples from the book. Display these in your classroom as a resource for ongoing discussions and writing assignments.
Invite students to relate the characters’ traits or decisions to their own experiences. Making these connections deepens understanding and personalizes the learning, making it more memorable.
To compare and contrast Claudia and Jamie, focus on their personality traits and actions. Claudia is a spender and a planner who wants to feel transformed, while Jamie is a saver and quick thinker who enjoys adventure. Use a T-chart or storyboard to highlight their differences and similarities with specific examples from the story.
Claudia is organized, a spender, and seeks to feel special. Jamie is thrifty, resourceful, and motivated by adventure. These traits can be illustrated by their choices, such as Claudia's detailed planning and Jamie's quick explanations and money-saving habits.
An easy method is to use a compare and contrast chart or storyboard. Divide a paper or template into two columns for each character, list their traits, and give examples from the book. Adding illustrations of key scenes can make the activity more engaging for students.
Have students use a storyboard template to visually organize similarities and differences. Instruct them to fill out columns or boxes with character traits and illustrate each example with scenes or items from the novel. This helps students better understand the characters and supports visual learning.
Comparing and contrasting characters helps students develop critical thinking, comprehension, and analytical skills. It encourages them to look for evidence in the text, understand perspectives, and make connections between characters' actions and motivations.