While students are reading, it is often helpful to use a storyboard that creates a character reference log. A character map allows students to recall relevant information on characters. When reading a play, it is often little attributes that later return and become an important detail in the plot.
Copying the assignment will give you the example above as well as a blank template to customize as desired. Feel free to use it as is, or tailor it to student abilities! The simplest way to use this character map is to print it out and use it as worksheets for your students to complete while reading!
| Abigail Williams | The major antagonist. She is the niece of Reverend Parris and coerces the girls of Salem to lie about seeing members of the community consorting with the Devil. She was once a servant in the Proctor's home, but was dismissed after an affair with John Proctor. |
|---|---|
| Reverend Parris | The minister of Salem, MA. He is a father, uncle, and the servant to the Lord. He is often paranoid about his reputation and, at times, power-hungry. His reputation throughout the town is not high. The people of Salem believe he has priorities out of order since he cares more for golden candlesticks than for his parish. |
| John Proctor | A hardworking man in his early 40s who is level-headed and wise. He stands up for what he believes and knows from the beginning: that Abigail is lying and using manipulation to get what she wants. |
| Reverend Hale | Reverend Hale is an expert in witchcraft. This is ironic because there were no real witches in Salem. In the end he begins to see through the hysteria and attempts to undo the damage he's caused. |
| Elizabeth (Goody Proctor) | Elizabeth is a good Christian, wife, and mother. She is married to John Proctor and because of this, is accused of witchcraft by Abigail. |
| The Nurses | Two highly regarded members of Salem, who are accused of witchcraft by the Putnams. It is clear that their jealous enemies have something to gain. |
| Judge Danforth | He is the deputy governor of Massachusetts and the judge who oversees the witch trials. He is overzealous and believes he is a crusader against witchcraft. This clouds his judgment. |
| Tituba | Parris' black slave from Barbados who was the only one practicing any form of 'sorcery' by using voodoo magic. |
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Grade Level 11-12
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
Type of Activity: Character Map
Common Core Standards
(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. |
