In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
(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 share their insights about how characters change throughout the story. Use open-ended questions to spark thoughtful conversations and help students connect character development to real-life experiences.
Demonstrate how to look for clues in the text about why characters act a certain way. Think aloud as you read, highlighting internal and external factors that influence decisions.
Prompt students to support their ideas about characters with specific examples from the book. Remind them to quote or paraphrase key moments that show traits or changes.
Use graphic organizers, anchor charts, or digital tools to help students visualize character relationships and traits. Display these visuals during discussions for quick reference.
Invite students to reflect on times they faced challenges or changed over time. Facilitate connections between their lives and the character’s journey to build empathy and engagement.
A character map for Island of the Blue Dolphins is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze key information about the novel's characters, including their traits, actions, challenges, and how they affect the story's plot.
Guide students to look for descriptions, dialogue, and actions in the text to identify both physical and personality traits for each character. Encourage them to use evidence from the story to support their choices.
Ask questions like: How does Karana change from the beginning to the end of the story? What challenges does she face? How do her decisions impact other characters and the plot?
The best way is to provide students with a template featuring sections for names, character traits, challenges, and plot impact. Encourage creativity by letting students choose colors, poses, and backgrounds that fit each character.
Creating a character map helps students visualize relationships, track changes over time, and deepen their understanding of the story by connecting character actions to the overall plot.