Character Growth in Johnny Tremain

Johnny Tremain is a strongly dynamic character who matures significantly over the novel’s two-year span. Students should be able to identify ways that Johnny changes and incidents that illustrate this change. Storyboarding can be an excellent way to identify and depict these moments. In a brief two-cell storyboard, students can show a “before and after” pair, identifying one of Johnny’s early character qualities and the way it develops over time. Expanding the assignment to include multiple pairs can be helpful preparation for writing assignments on character development.

Character Change in Johnny Tremain

Hot-headed

Early in the book, Johnny gets angry easily and shouts out rude and insulting comments. When he insults Mr. Lyte in anger, he makes a powerful enemy.

Patient

After living with Rab, Johnny learns patience. When Sam Adams's servant Sukey splashes water on Johnny, he counts to ten before getting angry. As a result, he is invited inside for pie.

Student Instructions

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the left header, write a trait that Johnny exhibited early on in the story. In the right header, write a new trait that shows how Johnny has changed.
3. In the descriptions, add details and examples of these traits.
4. Illustrate each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
5. Save and Exit