Character and Courage Analysis

Grade 6 English Language Arts Exploring Courage in Stories Lesson 2 of 3

Today's Learning Goals - I Can...

I can analyze how characters in a story demonstrate courage I can explain how a character's courage affects the story I can complete a detailed character map identifying traits, motivations, and courageous actions

Success Criteria - How We'll Know We're Learning

I have completed a character map with traits, motivations, and examples of courage I can verbally or in writing explain how my chosen character shows courage I can point to evidence in the story supporting my ideas about courage

Quick Review: What is Courage?

Think about our last lesson Share one example of courage you remember What made that character brave?

Character Maps: A Tool for Deep Understanding

Character maps help us understand characters deeply We look at what characters say, do, and why they act Three key parts: Traits, Motivations, and Actions of Courage

Sample Character Map Example

Create Your Character Map

Choose one character from your story Fill in traits, motivations, and courageous actions Use sentence starters if helpful Work individually or with a partner

Discussion Question

How does your character's courage affect what happens in the story?

Sharing Our Character Maps

Volunteers share one part of their character map Explain how your character shows courage Listen for connections to your own character Can you add more examples from the text?

Extension & Next Steps

Extension Activity: Write a paragraph explaining how your character's courage impacts the story's outcome Include specific text evidence Next lesson: How courage themes develop across multiple stories Great work analyzing characters today!