Character Analysis: Tuesdays with Morrie

Q: What is Mitch’s character evolution in Tuesdays with Morrie?

Mitch's character evolution in Tuesdays with Morrie shows his transformation from a workaholic, emotionally distant journalist to a more open, reflective, and grateful person. Through his visits with Morrie, Mitch learns to reconnect with his feelings, values relationships, and finds deeper meaning in life.

Q: How can students create a storyboard of Mitch’s growth in Tuesdays with Morrie?

Students can create a storyboard by breaking down the story into five key stages: Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each stage, they should illustrate Mitch’s traits and the major events that influence his development, using a template for visual organization.

Q: What are the key traits Mitch displays at each stage of Tuesdays with Morrie?

Mitch’s key traits change through the story: Exposition : workaholic, unfulfilled; Conflict/Rising Action : guilty, fearful, bottled up; Climax : affectionate, heartbroken; Falling Action : enlightened, regretful, hopeful; Resolution : reflective, grateful.

Q: Why is character evolution important in teaching Tuesdays with Morrie?

Character evolution helps students understand personal growth, empathy, and the impact of relationships. Analyzing Mitch’s changes makes key themes more relatable and encourages reflection on one’s own values and choices.

Q: What major events affect Mitch’s transformation throughout the memoir?

Major events include Mitch reconnecting with Morrie , their weekly conversations, Mitch opening up emotionally, Morrie’s passing, and Mitch reaching out to his brother. Each event triggers shifts in Mitch’s outlook and values.

Mitch's Character Evolution in Tuesdays with Morrie

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

Mitch changes emotionally over the course of the memoir as he visits with Morrie and begins to reconnect with his former convictions and beliefs. Use the activity for Character Evolution.

Character Evolution Example for Mitch

PLOT POINT	MITCH'S TRAITS	EXPLANATION
Exposition	workaholic, self-absorbed, unfulfilled	Mitch is a successful sports journalist with the Detroit Free Press. He is married, but not totally invested in his life with his wife. He is a workaholic and not fulfilled with the path his life has taken, despite the fact that he has lots of money.
Conflict / Rising Action	guilty; careful; bottled up; confused; fearful	When Mitch reconnects with Morrie, he feels guilty about the path his life has taken. As he starts his project with Morrie, he continues to hold back his emotions and not acknowledge them. He feels confused about how to get his life back on the right path again, and afraid of opening himself up emotionally. He is also fearful of losing Morrie.
Climax	opening up; affectionate; heartbroken	Over the course of his time with Morrie, Mitch has found himself more open with his affections, including not hesitating on holding Morrie’s hand or rubbing his feet and legs. As he says his final goodbye to Morrie, Mitch finally feels his tears welling up as his heart breaks.
Falling Action	enlightened; regretful; hopeful; open	After Morrie dies, Mitch wishes he could go back in time and tell himself not to waste time on things that don’t matter. He also wishes he could tell himself to visit Morrie before Morrie loses his ability to dance. He gets in touch with his brother and opens up to him about how much he loves him and wants to stay in touch. They rekindle their relationship.
Resolution	reflective; grateful	Mitch feels that he has been blessed by having a teacher like Morrie in his life. His old papers, between him and “Coach” make him miss Morrie, but he also realizes how much he and many others have learned from his wisdom.

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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 that shows the evolution of Mitch throughout the course of Tuesdays with Morrie.

Use the Character Evolution Template to get started.
Break the story down into Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. What traits does Mitch have?
Illustrate one or more of the traits for each stage of the story.
Identify major events in each part of the story that affected Mitch.

Character Evolution Template - Novel/Story

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Group

Type of Activity: Character Development

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Character Evolution and Analysis

Characters tend to change or evolve with events that happen in the plot of a story. Track the evolution of a primary character throughout the story, highlighting their key traits and the events that impact them during the exposition, conflict/rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Create a storyboard that depicts each event, along with a brief description of their traits at each point in the plot, and an analysis of how events in the plot impact or change the character.

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 27 Points	Beginning 22 Points	Try Again 17 Points
Character Evolution Traits and Analysis	The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point clearly shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, although some of the analyses might be unclear or inaccurate. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point attempts to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, but some of the analyses may be inaccurate, unclear, or minimal. There is an attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Most of the character traits and evolution are identified incorrectly, are missing, or are too limited to score. There is minimal or no analysis to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, and there may be no attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.
Artistic Depictions	The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction.	The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction.	Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort.	Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction.
English Conventions	Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading.	Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading.	Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading.	Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Mitch changes emotionally over the course of the memoir as he visits with Morrie and begins to reconnect with his former convictions and beliefs. Use the activity for Character Evolution.

Character Evolution Example for Mitch

PLOT POINT	MITCH'S TRAITS	EXPLANATION
Exposition	workaholic, self-absorbed, unfulfilled	Mitch is a successful sports journalist with the Detroit Free Press. He is married, but not totally invested in his life with his wife. He is a workaholic and not fulfilled with the path his life has taken, despite the fact that he has lots of money.
Conflict / Rising Action	guilty; careful; bottled up; confused; fearful	When Mitch reconnects with Morrie, he feels guilty about the path his life has taken. As he starts his project with Morrie, he continues to hold back his emotions and not acknowledge them. He feels confused about how to get his life back on the right path again, and afraid of opening himself up emotionally. He is also fearful of losing Morrie.
Climax	opening up; affectionate; heartbroken	Over the course of his time with Morrie, Mitch has found himself more open with his affections, including not hesitating on holding Morrie’s hand or rubbing his feet and legs. As he says his final goodbye to Morrie, Mitch finally feels his tears welling up as his heart breaks.
Falling Action	enlightened; regretful; hopeful; open	After Morrie dies, Mitch wishes he could go back in time and tell himself not to waste time on things that don’t matter. He also wishes he could tell himself to visit Morrie before Morrie loses his ability to dance. He gets in touch with his brother and opens up to him about how much he loves him and wants to stay in touch. They rekindle their relationship.
Resolution	reflective; grateful	Mitch feels that he has been blessed by having a teacher like Morrie in his life. His old papers, between him and “Coach” make him miss Morrie, but he also realizes how much he and many others have learned from his wisdom.

Copy Activity

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 that shows the evolution of Mitch throughout the course of Tuesdays with Morrie.

Use the Character Evolution Template to get started.
Break the story down into Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. What traits does Mitch have?
Illustrate one or more of the traits for each stage of the story.
Identify major events in each part of the story that affected Mitch.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Group

Type of Activity: Character Development

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Character Evolution and Analysis

	Proficient 33 Points	Emerging 27 Points	Beginning 22 Points	Try Again 17 Points
Character Evolution Traits and Analysis	The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point clearly shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, although some of the analyses might be unclear or inaccurate. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point attempts to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, but some of the analyses may be inaccurate, unclear, or minimal. There is an attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.	Most of the character traits and evolution are identified incorrectly, are missing, or are too limited to score. There is minimal or no analysis to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, and there may be no attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole.
Artistic Depictions	The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction.	The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction.	Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort.	Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction.
English Conventions	Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading.	Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading.	Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading.	Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading.

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How Tos about Tuesdays with Morrie Character Evolution

Make Character Evolution Activities Engaging for Younger Students

Adapt the character evolution storyboard for grades 2–8 by using familiar stories or class read-alouds. Younger students connect better with characters they already know. Choose a book or fairy tale your class has read, and help students track how the main character changes from beginning to end using simple language.

Model the Process with a Think-Aloud

Demonstrate how to complete a character evolution template by thinking out loud as you fill in each story stage. Show students how to identify character traits and connect them to events. This concrete modeling builds student confidence and understanding.

Use Visual Aids to Support Understanding

Incorporate visual tools like anchor charts, images, or character cards. Visuals help K–8 students grasp abstract changes in character traits. Display a sample storyboard and discuss each part of the character’s journey together.

Encourage Collaborative Brainstorming

Invite students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss how the character changes. Collaborative conversations prompt deeper thinking and peer support. After brainstorming, students can create their own storyboards or contribute to a group version.

Connect Character Change to Students’ Lives

Guide students to reflect on times they have changed or learned something new. This personal connection builds empathy and helps students better understand character growth. Allow students to share their own stories or draw pictures showing how they’ve changed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuesdays with Morrie Character Evolution

What is Mitch’s character evolution in Tuesdays with Morrie?

Mitch's character evolution in Tuesdays with Morrie shows his transformation from a workaholic, emotionally distant journalist to a more open, reflective, and grateful person. Through his visits with Morrie, Mitch learns to reconnect with his feelings, values relationships, and finds deeper meaning in life.

How can students create a storyboard of Mitch’s growth in Tuesdays with Morrie?

Students can create a storyboard by breaking down the story into five key stages: Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each stage, they should illustrate Mitch’s traits and the major events that influence his development, using a template for visual organization.

What are the key traits Mitch displays at each stage of Tuesdays with Morrie?

Mitch’s key traits change through the story: Exposition: workaholic, unfulfilled; Conflict/Rising Action: guilty, fearful, bottled up; Climax: affectionate, heartbroken; Falling Action: enlightened, regretful, hopeful; Resolution: reflective, grateful.

Why is character evolution important in teaching Tuesdays with Morrie?

Character evolution helps students understand personal growth, empathy, and the impact of relationships. Analyzing Mitch’s changes makes key themes more relatable and encourages reflection on one’s own values and choices.

What major events affect Mitch’s transformation throughout the memoir?

Major events include Mitch reconnecting with Morrie, their weekly conversations, Mitch opening up emotionally, Morrie’s passing, and Mitch reaching out to his brother. Each event triggers shifts in Mitch’s outlook and values.