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!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in Their Eyes Were Watching God.
“The familiar people and things had failed her so she hung over the gate and looked up the road towards way off. She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman.”
Other characters included in this map are: Logan Killicks, Joe (Jody) Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner.
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Student Instructions
Create a character map for the major characters.
Encourage students to work together by assigning small groups to map different characters from Their Eyes Were Watching God. Collaboration fosters deeper discussion, allows for sharing perspectives, and helps students notice details they might have missed alone.
Designate specific roles—such as recorder, illustrator, and presenter—to each student within the group. This ensures active participation and accountability, giving every student a chance to contribute meaningfully to the character map.
Distribute easy-to-follow templates with sections for physical traits, character traits, and key quotes. Ready-made templates help students stay organized and focused on gathering relevant details from the text.
Remind students to support their character descriptions with direct quotes and specific examples from the novel. This practice builds close reading skills and reinforces the importance of evidence in literary analysis.
Invite each group to share their character maps and explain their choices. Encourage classmates to ask questions or offer additional insights, making the activity interactive and reinforcing learning through peer discussion.
A character map for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a visual organizer that helps students track key characters, physical traits, character traits, and memorable quotes as they read the novel, making it easier to follow the story and analyze character development.
To create a character map, list major characters like Janie, Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner. Add their physical traits, personality traits, and a notable quote for each. Use colors, poses, and backgrounds that fit each character to make the map engaging.
Character mapping helps students remember important details, follow character relationships, and recognize subtle changes throughout the novel, deepening their comprehension and engagement with the text.
Include each character's name, physical description, personality traits, and at least one quote that reveals their thoughts or role in the story. Adding context or scene backgrounds can also enhance understanding.
Main characters to feature are Janie Mae Crawford, Logan Killicks, Joe (Jody) Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner.