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 the story, paying close attention to the physical attributes, and the traits of both major and minor characters. They 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.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the characters in The Breadwinner.
Student Instructions:
Engage students in a collaborative character map discussion to deepen understanding and encourage active participation among all learners.
Mix students of different strengths together so everyone can contribute and learn from one another. Collaboration builds confidence and insights!
Distribute characters so each group focuses deeply and becomes the 'expert' on their assigned character. Ownership increases engagement.
Encourage students to discuss and complete all character map sections—traits, relationships, and challenges—by sharing ideas, supporting each other, and using evidence from the text. Teamwork leads to richer analysis!
Invite each group to present their character map to the class, then lead a discussion comparing characters and connecting their experiences to the story’s themes. Reflection helps students synthesize learning and build empathy.
A character map for The Breadwinner is a visual organizer that helps students track and analyze the main and supporting characters, noting their physical traits, character attributes, relationships, and challenges. Students can use it while reading or after finishing the book to deepen understanding and support discussions or assignments.
To create a character map for The Breadwinner, have students list the main and minor characters, assign images or icons, choose colors and poses to match traits, and fill out sections on physical/character traits, relationships, and challenges faced. Tools like Storyboard That are helpful for this activity.
Your character map should include Parvana, Father, Mother, Nooria, Mrs. Weera, Shauzia, Ali, Maryam, Hossain, and Homa. These are key figures whose traits and interactions drive the plot of The Breadwinner.
Using character maps helps middle school students improve comprehension, visualize relationships, and analyze character development. They also support critical thinking and make it easier to discuss or write about the story's events and themes.
Characters in The Breadwinner face challenges such as living under Taliban rule, loss of freedom, family separation, and the need for survival. These obstacles shape their actions and growth throughout the story.