Part 1: Character Map

Learning target: I can describe a character’s traits, motivations, relationships, and choices using evidence from the text.

Success criteria: I can name three precise traits, explain what motivates the character, describe a relationship, and explain how a choice affects the conflict or plot.

Character: ____________________________________________

Trait 1: ____________________ Evidence: ____________________________________________

Trait 2: ____________________ Evidence: ____________________________________________

Trait 3: ____________________ Evidence: ____________________________________________

Trait word bank: loyal, honest, courageous, compassionate, responsible, curious, determined, patient, selfish, fearful, thoughtful, impulsive, trustworthy, generous, frustrated, resourceful.

Sentence frames: I think __________________ is __________________ because __________________. The character wants __________________ because __________________. When the character chooses to __________________, __________________ happens, which affects __________________.

Supported option: You may draw the character’s choice first, explain it to a partner, and then write one or two sentences.

Part 2: Evidence and Comparison

Use two quotations or paraphrases from the shared text. Include a page or paragraph reference.

Quotation or paraphrase:

Page/paragraph: ____________________ This shows:

Quotation or paraphrase:

Page/paragraph: ____________________ This shows:

Sentence frame: Both characters __________________, but __________________ chooses to __________________ while __________________ chooses to __________________.

Core: Write a clear claim and use two relevant text details. Supported: Complete the sentence frames and use one quotation or paraphrase. Challenge: Compare two characters and evaluate which choice best reflects a value, using evidence for both characters.

Part 3: Challenge and Teacher Guidance

One trait, motivation, and supporting detail I can remember:

Teacher Answer and Guidance Key

Answers depend on the shared chapter or excerpt. Accept different interpretations when students support them with accurate quotations, paraphrases, or page/paragraph references.

Look for three precise traits supported by actions, words, thoughts, or choices; a plausible motivation connected to the text; an accurate relationship description; and a clear explanation of how a choice changes the conflict, another character, or a plot event.

For comparison responses, students should identify a shared conflict, explain how the characters respond differently, and support the comparison with evidence. For the values reflection, accept any thoughtfully defended value connection.

Differentiation: Allow oral rehearsal, partner discussion, drawing before writing, audio or leveled text, sentence frames, and a trait word bank. Pair students strategically and assign roles such as evidence finder, speaker, recorder, or questioner. Challenge advanced learners to evaluate both characters’ choices and justify which choice most strongly reflects a value.