Falling into Rarohenga — Chapter 12 Character Decision Map

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📖 Part 1: Character Decision Map

Purpose: Explore a character’s wants, fears, motivations, decisions, relationships and changes in Chapter 12. Use evidence from your own copy of the novel. Do not rely on memory alone: record a short quotation or a precise page reference where possible.

1. Choose one important character from Chapter 12. Complete the map below.

Chosen character

What the character wants

What the character is worried or afraid about

Important choice or action in Chapter 12

What motivates this choice or action?

How does another character respond?

What does this reveal about the character?

Has the character changed since earlier chapters? Explain briefly.

✏️ Part 2: Evidence and Point of View

2. Record two short quotations or precise references from Chapter 12. Include the page number if available.

Evidence

What it shows

Technique or word choice

3. Write either a private diary entry or a text-message exchange from your chosen character after Chapter 12. Show feelings through actions, thoughts and careful word choice. Use details from the chapter, but do not copy a long section of the novel.

4. Which character has the most power or influence in Chapter 12? Explain your view with at least two pieces of evidence.

✅ Part 3: Self-Check and Extension

5. Tick each statement when you have completed it.

I named a specific character from Chapter 12.

I explained what the character wants and fears.

I identified an important choice or action.

I explained the character’s motivation.

I used two relevant quotations or precise references.

I explained what my evidence reveals.

I checked my spelling, punctuation and paragraphing.

Extension: Compare your chosen character’s decision in Chapter 12 with a decision made by the same character earlier in the novel. What has caused the difference, if there is one?

Teacher answer guidance

Responses will vary because students will select different characters and evidence. Assess whether each response uses relevant evidence from Chapter 12, explains what the evidence shows, and demonstrates understanding of character motivation, relationships, decisions and change. Strong responses should connect specific word choices or actions to a clear interpretation rather than simply retelling events.

This worksheet supports NZ Year 9 English Text Studies: personal and collaborative responses to texts supported by discussion and evidence (NZ-TMA-ENGLISH-Y9-10-text-studies-137-DOC136; NZ-TMA-ENGLISH-Y9-10-text-studies-142-DOC136).