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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/inherit-the-wind-by-jerome-lawrence-and-robert-edwin-lee/characters
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
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!
Matthew Harrison Brady
- Physical Traits
A giant man; gray; balding; paunchy; around 65-years old. A former presidential candidate; his wife is concerned about his health - Character Traits
Pompous; loves attention; loves to talk; concerned with his reputation; arrogant; a self-proclaimed expert on the Bible. - Quote
“Natural law was born in the mind of the Heavenly Father. He can change it, cancel it, use it as He pleases. It constantly amazes me that you apostles of science, for all your supposed wisdom, fail to grasp this simple fact.”
Other characters included in this map are Henry Drummond, Bertrand Cates, Rachel Brown, Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and E.K. Hornbeck.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Identify the major characters in Inherit the Wind and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
Lesson Plan Overview
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!
Matthew Harrison Brady
- Physical Traits
A giant man; gray; balding; paunchy; around 65-years old. A former presidential candidate; his wife is concerned about his health - Character Traits
Pompous; loves attention; loves to talk; concerned with his reputation; arrogant; a self-proclaimed expert on the Bible. - Quote
“Natural law was born in the mind of the Heavenly Father. He can change it, cancel it, use it as He pleases. It constantly amazes me that you apostles of science, for all your supposed wisdom, fail to grasp this simple fact.”
Other characters included in this map are Henry Drummond, Bertrand Cates, Rachel Brown, Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and E.K. Hornbeck.
Template and Class Instructions
(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.
- Identify the major characters in Inherit the Wind and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Picture & Scene | The characters and scenes are both appropriate for the book's characters. | Many of the characters and scenes match the book's characters. | More than half of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. |
| Accuracy of Notes | Most of the information of the notes is correct. | Many of the notes have correct information, but some are incorrect or missing. | Less than half of the information of the notes is correct and relevant. |
| Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. |
How Tos about Key Characters in Inherit the Wind
1
How to teach character motivation using Inherit the Wind
Help students explore why characters act the way they do by connecting their actions to their goals and beliefs. Understanding motivation deepens comprehension and engagement with the text.
2
Introduce the concept of character motivation
Explain to students that motivation is what drives a character’s actions. Discuss how every choice a character makes is influenced by their desires, fears, or values.
3
Model analyzing a character’s motivation
Choose a character, such as Matthew Harrison Brady, and think aloud while identifying what he wants and why. Point out specific lines or actions that reveal his underlying motivations.
4
Guide students to find motivation clues in the text
Ask students to highlight words, actions, and quotes that suggest a character’s motivation. Encourage them to use sticky notes or a graphic organizer for their findings.
5
Facilitate group discussion on character decisions
Invite students to share their ideas about why characters made certain choices. Emphasize respectful debate and support for opinions with evidence from the play.
6
Connect character motivation to real-life situations
Encourage students to relate the motivations of characters to their own experiences or current events. This makes the lesson more meaningful and memorable for students.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Characters in Inherit the Wind
What is a character map and how can it help students understand 'Inherit the Wind'?
A character map is a visual tool that helps students track key traits, actions, and quotes for each major character in Inherit the Wind. It makes it easier to follow the plot, recognize character development, and understand how each character contributes to the story.
Who are the main characters in 'Inherit the Wind' that students should include in a character map?
The main characters to include in a character map for Inherit the Wind are Matthew Harrison Brady, Henry Drummond, Bertrand Cates, Rachel Brown, Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and E.K. Hornbeck.
How do you create a character map for a play like 'Inherit the Wind'?
To create a character map, list each major character, add their physical and personality traits, and include a memorable quote. Use colors, poses, and backgrounds that match their role in the story to help visualize their characteristics and relationships.
Why is character mapping recommended for students reading complex plays?
Character mapping helps students keep track of details, understand character motivations, and notice subtle changes as the story unfolds. It supports deeper comprehension, especially in plays with multiple important characters.
What are some tips for choosing quotes and traits for characters in 'Inherit the Wind'?
Choose quotes that reveal a character's beliefs or pivotal moments. Select traits that influence the plot or show how the character changes. Focus on details that help distinguish each character's unique role in Inherit the Wind.
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
