Many Hunger Games characters went through or observed traumatic events, but each had a perspective during their experiences. Their perspective contributed to the actions they may have taken both in the short term and later in the story. For example, President Snow viewed the death of Rue differently than Katniss or Rue’s parents did.
In this activity, students will choose an event from the book and then select three characters from whose viewpoint they can express the event. Consider using the point of view from the following characters: Katniss, Prim, Gale, Peeta, Haymitch, Effie, Cinna, President Snow, Rue, Cato, or Foxface.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard identifying the different perspectives characters have about certain events in The Hunger Games.
Debates encourage students to think critically and consider different viewpoints. Hosting a debate on pivotal events helps students analyze characters’ motives and strengthens communication skills.
Choose a major event, such as Rue’s death or the reaping. Consistent focus allows students to dive deep into multiple perspectives around a shared moment.
Give each participant a character whose viewpoint they’ll defend. This encourages empathy and understanding of diverse motivations within the story.
Have students use textual evidence and character traits to build their case. This strengthens reading comprehension and supports evidence-based reasoning.
Set clear rules for turn-taking and respectful disagreement. After the debate, lead a reflection on how seeing through another’s eyes deepens understanding of the novel’s themes.
Perspective in The Hunger Games refers to how each character views and reacts to events based on their own experiences and beliefs. Understanding perspective helps students see why characters make certain choices and deepens comprehension of the story's themes.
Encourage students to select key events from the book and analyze how at least three characters might interpret or respond to those events differently. Using storyboards or graphic organizers helps students visually map out each character’s point of view.
Try activities like creating storyboards from multiple viewpoints, writing diary entries as different characters, or holding group discussions on how characters’ backgrounds influence their perspectives on key events.
President Snow sees Rue’s death as a political event affecting control and rebellion, while Katniss feels personal grief and guilt, and Rue’s parents experience profound loss. These differing perspectives shape their actions and motivations in the story.
Students should use a template that includes: the chosen event, names of three characters, a brief description of each character’s perspective, and an illustration or visual for each viewpoint. This structured approach clarifies similarities and differences.