In this activity, students depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changes over time.
Have students create the characters and fill in the information from a template, or you can make the characters on a blank map and print it out for students to complete. Alternatively, assign different characters to different students or groups to go into greater detail. Students or groups can present their information to the rest of the class.
Other characters to consider who were not included in this character map:
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Encourage students to share their insights and opinions about each character. Foster respectful dialogue by asking open-ended questions and guiding them to back up their ideas with evidence from the text.
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different character to analyze. This promotes ownership and allows for deeper exploration of character traits and motivations.
Prompt students to find and cite specific passages from the book that reveal character traits or changes. Highlight the importance of supporting their ideas with textual evidence.
Invite each group to present their character maps to the class. Encourage visual aids and creative formats to make the presentations engaging for all students.
Lead a class discussion on how the main character’s development affects the plot and other characters. Connect these changes to the novel’s themes for deeper understanding.
To create a character map for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, list the major characters, represent each with an image or drawing, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, challenges faced, and interactions with the main character. Use a template or a blank map for visual organization.
Effective approaches include having students identify character traits, describe key actions, discuss how characters influence each other, and track changes in the main character throughout the story. Group presentations and detailed templates can deepen understanding.
Include both major and minor characters such as Cassie Logan, Stacey Logan, Harlan Granger, Jeremy Simms, Mr. Simms, Mr./Mrs. Berry, Claude Avery, the Wallace Family, Mr. Jamison, and the “Night Men.” This provides a comprehensive view of the story’s dynamics.
Students should focus on physical and character traits, challenges faced, and how each character interacts with the main character. Using relevant colors, scenes, and poses helps convey personality and context.
Character maps support ELA learning by helping students visualize relationships, track character growth, and analyze conflicts. They make complex narratives more accessible and encourage analytical thinking in a visual format.