Activity 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!
For Of Mice and Men, a character map helps students remember each member of the ranch, and their nickname! Plus, it provides a reference for discussion about how each character contributes to the theme of isolation.
Of Mice and Men Character List
| NAME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| George Milton | One of the main protagonists. He is small, quick, and clever. He takes care of Lennie. |
| Lennie Small | The other protagonist. He is rather large and childlike. He likes to pet soft things, and is often the cause of trouble. |
| Candy | A rancher who lost his hand in an accident. |
| Curley | The son of the ranch owner who is a self-proclaimed boxer. He picks a fight will Lennie. |
| Curley’s Wife | Curley’s lonely housewife who likes attention. She is often seen lurking about the men. |
| Crooks | The stable hand. He is black, and is isolated from the rest of the ranchers. He sleeps in the barn. |
| Slim | A strong, sturdy ranch hand who is known as the “Prince”. |
| Carlson | A ranch hand who shoots Candy’s dog because it's old and useless. |
| Aunt Clara | Lennie’s aunt, who took care of him before she died. |
| The Boss | Owner of the ranch, and Curley’s father. |
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 Of Mice and Men and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" tab 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 Textables for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/1] Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/3] Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/5] Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise
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 Major Characters in “Of Mice and Men”
Read and Identify
Ask the students to carefully read the story and identify the major characters present in the story. For instance, if students identify George and Lennie as major characters, they will be comparing them. If students want to compare some other characters, teachers can allow them to select according to their interests.
Discuss and List Traits
Considering that students have selected George and Lennie for comparison, ask them to identify the physical and personality traits of these characters. Since the story also focuses on the differences between George and Lennie, it will be easier for students to identify these characteristics from the text. After identifying these traits, students can also discuss their significance for the story and the characters.
Analyze the Interactions
Help the students examine the connections among the main characters. Talk about how the characters' development is aided by these interactions and how they change throughout the novel. Write on how characters affect one another and whether these interactions result in conflict or growth for the students.
Use Comparison Diagrams
To help students visualize the similarities and differences between the two main characters, assign them to make a comparison chart or Venn diagram. They can detect important areas of comparison and better arrange their ideas as a result. Students can also make use of other visual aids and make their comparisons more interesting and appealing.
Foster Creativity
Use imaginative exercises like role-playing to allow students to take on the roles of the main characters and act out possible dialogues or situations. In addition to improving their knowledge, this can help them feel more connected to the characters and aid their learning more interestingly.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Of Mice and Men” Characters
Who are the key characters present in the story?
Two traveling ranch hands during the Great Depression, George Milton and Lennie Small, are the main characters of the story. Candy, Crooks, Slim, and Curley are a few more noteworthy characters who play an important role in the development of the narrative.
How do Lennie and George interact with each other throughout the story?
Lennie and George have a deep and intricate bond. Lennie, who is intellectually challenged, is looked after and protected by George. They both want to acquire a plot of property jointly and pursue their dream.
How does George's dream add to the plot of the story?
A better future and hope are represented by George's goal of owning a plot of land. It reminds the protagonists of the harsh reality of their present existence and acts as a motivator for them.
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