Though there are only a few characters in the Hatchet book, and each one has a very powerful impact on the protagonist, Brian. In this character map, students should think about the impact each character has on Brian and his ability to survive after the crash.
Students can complete this character map while they read or once they've finished. Feel free to extend the activity to have students keep track of other important aspects of each character!
(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 Brian and the other characters.
Invite students to share their character maps in small groups and compare trait choices. This encourages deeper analysis and helps students understand different perspectives about each character’s role in Brian’s survival.
Ask students to cite specific quotes or actions from the text when discussing each character’s impact. This strengthens textual analysis skills and ensures claims are evidence-based.
Encourage students to relate character traits or decisions in Hatchet to challenges they might face in real life. This builds empathy and helps students internalize the story’s lessons.
Have students illustrate their character maps with drawings, symbols, or digital images that represent key traits. Visuals make abstract qualities more concrete for all learners.
A character map for Hatchet is a visual organizer that helps students identify and analyze the main characters in Gary Paulsen's novel Hatchet, focusing on their traits and how they impact Brian's survival after the plane crash.
To create a character map for Brian, list key traits, select an image or symbol, add a fitting background, and describe how each character—including Brian—impacts the story or his survival. Add a meaningful quote for depth.
Understanding character impact helps students see how each character influences Brian's decisions and survival skills in Hatchet, deepening comprehension and engagement with the story.
Teachers can extend the Hatchet character map by having students track character changes over time, compare their maps in groups, or connect character traits to real-life survival skills.
Besides Brian, include key supporting characters such as Brian's parents, the pilot, and any animals or figures that significantly affect his survival or mindset in Hatchet.