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.
Grouping students promotes discussion and helps them notice more character details while using the OSCAR method. Small groups encourage every student to contribute and spark new ideas for analyzing characters.
Give each student a specific OSCAR lens (Other Character's Comments, Speech, Characteristics, Author's Attitude, Reader's Reaction). This ensures every group member is engaged and brings a unique viewpoint to the analysis.
Encourage students to find direct quotes or passages for their assigned lens. Using textual evidence sharpens their reading skills and supports deeper understanding of character development.
Have groups share their evidence and discuss how each lens reveals different aspects of the character. This collaborative synthesis helps students see the full picture and appreciate the complexity of characterization.
Combine each group's findings into a large, visual character map for the classroom. This showcases student work, reinforces learning, and serves as a helpful reference for future discussions.
The OSCAR method is a framework for analyzing characters by examining Other character's comments, the character's Speech, Physical characteristics, the Author's attitude, and the Reader's reaction. This approach helps students gather textual evidence and understand both direct and indirect characterization.
To use OSCAR for analyzing characters in The Fault in Our Stars, students create a character map and fill in each OSCAR category with examples from the novel. This process encourages deeper reading and helps students track key traits and development of major characters.
For O (Other Character's Comments): What do others say about the character? For S (Speech): What does the character say? For C (Physical Characteristics): How is the character described? For A (Author's Attitude): How does the author portray the character? For R (Reader's Reaction): How do you feel about the character?
Character mapping helps students track important details and subtle traits as the plot unfolds. It supports comprehension, encourages critical thinking, and makes reading more engaging by clarifying how characters are developed.
Teachers can guide students to select relevant quotes, encourage use of visuals like storyboards, vary groupings (individual, partner, or group), and prompt discussion about each OSCAR category to deepen understanding of characters.