Activity Overview
This compare and contrast activity allows students to analyze the similarities and differences between two characters, settings, or objects. In this activity students will compare and contrast two characters: Mary and Colin. Students will take a closer look into these characters and develop a deeper understanding of their role and connection to the plot.
Compare and Contrast Mary and Colin
| Mary | Colin |
|---|---|
| Mary is a spoiled, stubborn girl that demands everything from her Ayah. | Colin gives orders to the servants and Dr. Craven. |
| Her mother did not want a little girl and demanded that the girl be kept away from her at all times. | “My mother died when I was born and it makes him wretched to look at me. He thinks I don’t know, but I’ve heard people talking. He almost hates me.” |
| “It is very sad, now the poor beautiful thing is gone, to remember that many people never even knew that she had a child at all.” | Ben Weatherstaff asks Colin if he has a hump on his back and if his legs are crooked. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting two characters from the story.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In one column, describe traits or characteristics of one of your selected characters.
- In the other column, describe the traits or characteristics of your second character that correspond or contrast with the other character.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
- [ELA-Literacy/RL/5/3] Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How To Compare and Contrast the Characters in The Secret Garden Using Storyboard That
Define Comparing and Contrasting
Introduce the concept of comparing different characters in the story. Explain to the students how this concept involves identifying the similarities and differences of each character and listing them side by side for comparison. Show them examples of the process by comparing two different characters from a story all the students are familiar with.
Choose Characters
Once the students are clear on the concept, ask them to choose characters they want to compare. For instance, some students can compare Mary and Colin and some can compare Ben and Craven. Ask the students to wisely choose their characters as the comparison requires a lot of information on characters.
Show Storyboard That
Show the students what Storyboard That looks like and how other comparisons have been made using this site. Explain to the students step by step how they can access other similar activities to enhance their understanding.
Choose and Add to the Template
Ask the students to choose any template they want according to the type of analysis they want to make. Students can even compare three characters together and add cells depending on the number of similarities, differences, and characters. After making the structure, students can add the required information and even use visuals for explanation.
Share the Work
Students can save their work in a digital form or print it out in order to share their findings with the rest of the class. This will lead to a discussion and help the students gain more insights about the characters from different perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Secret Garden: Compare and Contrast Characters
What can be interpreted about the similar or different personalities of the characters through their interactions with the garden?
Mary's initial resistance and scepticism toward the garden are signs of her closed-off personality. Although he is too feeble to participate, Colin is attracted by the concept of the garden. Dickon, on the other hand, has a natural affinity for the outdoors and feels well at home in a garden. All these initial feelings of the characters towards the garden somehow reflect their different personalities.
How do the connections between the characters change as the story progresses?
Significant changes occur in the relationships between the characters. Archibald Craven, Mary, and Colin become a close-knit family. Dickon and Mary become closer friends as they develop a close relationship. Overall, the changes are more positive and reflect their journey of healing.
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