Activity Overview
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Long Way Down, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story. Teachers may also ask students to pay attention to the lessons each character teaches Will on his elevator ride to the lobby.
Characters in Long Way Down
- William "Will" Holloman
- Shawn Hollowman
- Buck
- Dani
- Uncle Mark
- Frick
- Pop (Mikey)
- Mom (Shari)
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the characters in Long Way Down.
Student Instructions:
- Identify the main and supporting characters in Long Way Down and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to the story and the character's traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character interact with the other characters?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/W/6/6] Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/4/3] Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/3] Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 To Compare Two or More Characters From “Long Way Down”
Analyze the Story and Select Characters
Help the students analyze the story in detail and discuss the characters present in the narrative. Teachers can read the story in class with the help of students and then discuss major events to help students recall and retain the details. Ask the students to list the main and secondary characters present in the story and select 2 or more characters for comparison.
Discuss Traits and Motivations
Some important elements that students can look at while conducting this comparison are analyzing the character traits and motivations of their selected characters. For instance, in Long Way Down, Will (the main character) who is a young boy displays extraordinary courage but mourns the loss of all family members who have been a victim of the shootings and wants to take revenge on their behalf.
Analyze Character Development
Talk about the character development that occurs for each of the main characters. What useful insights do they gain? How do they change and evolve, and do they interrupt or maintain the violent cycle that the book explores? This development is different for different characters and is inspired by various events throughout the story that students can analyze.
Conduct Thematic Analysis
Examine the book's ideas and the ways in which each character advances them. Talk about issues like loss, retaliation, and the consequences of decisions. Ask students to consider how various characters represent these concepts.
Make Comparison Charts
Ask the students to perform their character comparison on a chart paper and display it at the end for the entire class. Students can organize all the information they have collected so far and put it on the chart paper with the help of graphic organizers and decorate the chart with the help of visuals, colors, and symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Long Way Down” Characters
Name a few significant supporting characters in the story who guide Will through his elevator journey and influence his decisions.
Uncle Mark, who offers advice, Shawn, Will's brother, Dani, Will’s childhood friend, and other characters that show up throughout Will's elevator ride are significant supporting characters who each make a distinct contribution to the story.
What sort of character development did Will experience by the end of the story?
Will experiences profound psychological and emotional transformations as he examines the effects of gun violence and the cycle of retaliation. The rules guiding his behavior are not what he believes them to be. He realizes what holds more significance in his life and develops a new perspective of looking at things.
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