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 this character map, try using “OSCAR” so that students can analyze multiple ways that a character is developed. OSCAR requires students to seek textual evidence to identify the various lenses through which a character is portrayed by both direct and indirect characterization.
| DEFINITION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| O |
Other Character's Comments
What do other characters say about the character? |
"When the scientists of the future show up to my house with robot eyes...I will tell them to screw off because I do not want to see a future without him." - Isaac |
| S |
Speech
What does the character say about others or themselves? How can we infer meaning and traits from what a character says? |
"We should team up and be this disabled vigilante duo ...righting wrongs, defending the weak, protecting the endangered." |
| C | Physical Characteristics
What does the character look like? What descriptive words are used to describe them? |
Athletic, strong, good-looking, has a prosthetic leg |
| A | Author's Attitude
How does the author feel about this character? |
Hazel admires and loves Gus: "Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity..." |
| R | Reader's Reaction
How do you, as the reader, feel about the character? |
Augustus is a likable character due to his humor, intelligence, kindness, and love for Hazel. |
(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.