Activity Overview
Comparing characters is a great way for students to understand how different people are, and how different characters affect a story. Using a Venn diagram, students can identify similarities and differences between the main characters in the book. Students will add images and words to represent the characters, their experiences, personalities, and interests. Using the outer portions of the ovals, they can identify traits, experiences, and attributes that are singular to the character and in the overlapping portions, they can list the ways in which the characters are the same.
To scaffold or tailor this activity, teachers can provide students with characters to compare or have them select their own. They may also include key words to guide students in identifying different traits, experiences, etc. They may also choose to use a different template, such as a T Chart with three cells. Be sure to update student instructions accordingly!
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 Venn Diagram comparing the characters from the book.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the characters you wish to compare and contrast and find StoryboardThat characters that look like them.
- Write a list of their characteristics and experiences for each character.If there are similarities, put them in the center overlapping oval.
- Add attributes (images that represent a characters interests).
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Requirements:
- Characters: Images of people to represent your characters.
- Attributes: images of items, scenes to represent their characteristics or experiences.
- Names of the characters and words to describe each person.
- Make sure their similarities are in the center oval and their differences are on either side.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RH/9-10/3] Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/1] Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/7] Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
- [ELA-LITERACY/CCRA/R/9] Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compare and Contrast | Text includes a clear explanation of similarities and differences between the characters. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text includes an explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding. | Text may include no explanation of similarities and differences between the characters, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Design | Student clearly shows effort, time and care to include appropriate StoryboardThat characters for each book character and uses items, animals or scenes in their design to describe their characters attributes. | Depictions of characters and their attributes are mostly accurate to the story but may have some discrepancies. The depictions show minimal effort, time, and care. | Many depictions of characters and their attributes are inaccurate or they are missing. There was very little time or effort put into the depictions. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes a minor error in spelling and grammar. | Student makes several minor errors in spelling and grammar. |
How To Explain Character Comparison to Younger Students
Walk Through Stages
Begin the lecture by walking students through the meaning of the activity, the steps of the activity, and the objectives of the activity. Teachers can begin a general discussion of the story, its characters, and why it is important to read the story in detail in class and slowly build towards how comparing different characters can help students understand them in a better way.
Develop Simple Frameworks
For younger students, the framework and basis of comparison should be kept simple. For instance, students can focus more on the physical differences among the characters (if described), or simple character traits that students are familiar with. With the help of this activity, teachers can introduce some new vocabulary words to students and enhance their overall vocabulary.
Re-read the Story
Once the students are more familiar with the framework of comparison, ask the students to re-read the story in detail and look for the elements of the framework. For instance, if a student wants to compare the characters based on their physical traits, they should look for the description of characters such as big eyes, small structure, tall build, etc.
Connect With Real Life
Make connections between character traits and real-world events. Encourage and ask questions such as, "How are apples and oranges similar? In what ways do they differ?" Then connect this to the characters. Besides objects, teachers can also ask the students to describe how they are similar and different from each other. Ensure that the students are respectful towards each other while carrying out this discussion.
Use Simple Vocabulary
Avoid using difficult phrases and use vocabulary that is easier for students to comprehend and retain at their level. Summarize similarities with a brief sentence, such as "Character A is brave, and Character B is funny."
Frequently Asked Questions About Comparing and Contrasting Characters in a Story
How can the relationship and interaction among characters shape the character comparison?
Character connections add to the overall dynamics of the narrative and shed light on specific character features. Understanding each character better comes from analyzing these relationships. It also adds a new layer or element of analysis to the comparison activity.
What are some essential components that students can focus on for character comparisons?
The way a character looks, behaves, is motivated, interacts with other characters, and contributes to the themes of the story are all important aspects. Such can build a comparison framework using these elements and even add some of their own elements.
How might character comparison help students comprehend the concepts of the story?
Characters are frequently used as vehicles for themes. Students can examine the ways in which individual characters contribute to the story's overall lessons and messages by contrasting and comparing them.
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