“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/things-they-carried/characters
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
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 The Things They Carried.
Kiowa
- Physical Traits: 19 or 20 years old; Native American; devout Baptist; carries an illustrated New Testament and his grandfather’s hunting hatchet; keeps moccasins for silence
- Character Traits: Practices his heritage; practices his faith; likes to be in churches; tries to comfort O’Brien after he kills a man; a good person; moral; upstanding
- Quote
“And Kiowa had been a splendid human being, the very best, intelligent and gentle and quiet-spoken.Very brave, too. And decent.”
Other characters included in this map are: Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, Tim O’Brien, Rat Kiley, Norman Bowker, and Ted Lavender.
Template and Class Instructions
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 character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in The Things They Carried and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" tab to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| 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. |
Lesson Plan Overview
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 The Things They Carried.
Kiowa
- Physical Traits: 19 or 20 years old; Native American; devout Baptist; carries an illustrated New Testament and his grandfather’s hunting hatchet; keeps moccasins for silence
- Character Traits: Practices his heritage; practices his faith; likes to be in churches; tries to comfort O’Brien after he kills a man; a good person; moral; upstanding
- Quote
“And Kiowa had been a splendid human being, the very best, intelligent and gentle and quiet-spoken.Very brave, too. And decent.”
Other characters included in this map are: Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, Tim O’Brien, Rat Kiley, Norman Bowker, and Ted Lavender.
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 character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in The Things They Carried and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" tab to represent each of the literary characters.
- Select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Choose a scene or background that makes sense for the character.
- Fill in Textables for Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Character Map Template
Create a character map of the characters in the story. Put the character's name in the title boxes and choose a character and scene to represent each one. As you read, take notes on the characters by answering the questions.
| 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. |
How Tos about The Things They Carried Characters
1
How to facilitate a class discussion using character maps
Encourage students to share their character maps in small groups or as a whole class. This promotes active listening and deeper understanding as students compare observations and interpretations.
2
Prompt students to connect character traits to story events
Ask students to cite specific moments from the novel that reveal a character's traits. This helps students anchor their ideas in textual evidence and improves analytical skills.
3
Guide students to use quotes in their analysis
Direct students to select meaningful quotes that illustrate character development. Discuss why these quotes are impactful to deepen comprehension and support their map entries.
4
Model how to update character maps as the story progresses
Demonstrate adding new details after each reading session. This shows students that characters may change and encourages ongoing analysis instead of a one-time task.
5
Wrap up with a reflective activity
Ask students to reflect on how their understanding of a character changed from the beginning to the end of the novel. This promotes metacognition and personal connection with the text.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Things They Carried Characters
What is a character map and how can I use it when teaching The Things They Carried?
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track key details about each character while reading The Things They Carried. It encourages students to note physical traits, character traits, and important quotes, making it easier to follow the story and understand character development.
Which major characters should be included in a character map for The Things They Carried?
Major characters to include in a character map for The Things They Carried are Lieutenant Jimmy Cross, Tim O’Brien, Kiowa, Rat Kiley, Norman Bowker, and Ted Lavender. Tracking their attributes helps students grasp the novel’s themes and relationships.
How does creating a character map help students understand The Things They Carried?
Creating a character map helps students organize information, recognize subtle character changes, and remember key details as the plot evolves. This active engagement improves comprehension and makes the reading experience more meaningful.
What are some best practices for making a character map for high school novels?
Best practices include identifying main characters, using visuals that reflect their traits, recording physical and personality details, and adding meaningful quotes. Encourage students to update their maps as they read for maximum benefit.
Can character mapping be done individually or in pairs for The Things They Carried?
Yes, character mapping works well for both individual assignments and partner work. Pairing up can spark discussion and deeper analysis, while solo mapping encourages personal reflection and attention to detail.
More Storyboard That Activities
Things They Carried, The
Testimonials
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/things-they-carried/characters
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
