Storyboards can be used, as students are reading, to keep a character reference log. A character map allows students to recall important information on characters. When reading a novel, little attributes often return to become an important plot details. Through the use of character mapping students will catch this information, and will be able to follow the fine points which make reading more enjoyable.
By clicking "Use This Assignment", both the example above and a blank template will copy into your account. Feel free to use them as is or edit them to make it easier. (Or harder for more advanced classes!) The easiest way to use this is to print it as worksheets for your students to complete while reading.
For The Outsiders, a character map helps students remember who belongs to each gang. It also provides a reference for discussing how each was involved in the fighting.
Ponyboy Curtis | Protagonist, Greaser | Darrel "Darry" Curtis | The oldest brother, gave up a promising football career to take care of his brothers after parents' death |
---|---|---|---|
Sodapop Curtis | Brother of Ponyboy and Darrel, Greaser | Two-Bit Mathews | Greaser, known for his switchblade |
Steve Randle | Friends with Sodapop, thinks Ponyboy is annoying | Dallas “Dally” Winston | Toughest Greaser |
Johnny Cade | Ponyboy's best friend | Sandy | Sodapop's girlfriend |
Cherry Valance | Soc girl, dating Bob | Marcia | Friend of Cherry |
Bob Sheldon | Soc, dies in fight | Paul Holden | Soc who challenges Darrel |
Jerry Wood | A man that looks down on the gangs, despite Johnny and Ponyboy saving the children from the burning church | Tim Shepard | Leader of a different group of Greasers, friend of Dallas |
Curly Shepard | Tim's tough younger brother, has a criminal record at the age of 15 | Mr. Syme | Ponyboy's English teacher |
(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 in The Outsiders.
(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. |