Activity 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!
Thirteen Reasons Why Characters
- Hannah Baker
- Clay Jensen
- Justin Foley
- Alex Standall
- Jessica Davis
- Tyler Down
- Courtney Crimson
- Marcus Cooley
- Zach Dempsey
- Ryan Shaver
- Jenny Kurtz
- Bryce Walker
- Mr. Porter
- Skye Walker
- Tony
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 in Thirteen Reasons Why.
- Identify the major characters in Thirteen Reasons Why and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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 the text boxes for Character Traits, Why is This Character on Hannah's List, and How Does This Character Change over the Course of the Book.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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. |
Activity 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!
Thirteen Reasons Why Characters
- Hannah Baker
- Clay Jensen
- Justin Foley
- Alex Standall
- Jessica Davis
- Tyler Down
- Courtney Crimson
- Marcus Cooley
- Zach Dempsey
- Ryan Shaver
- Jenny Kurtz
- Bryce Walker
- Mr. Porter
- Skye Walker
- Tony
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 in Thirteen Reasons Why.
- Identify the major characters in Thirteen Reasons Why and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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 the text boxes for Character Traits, Why is This Character on Hannah's List, and How Does This Character Change over the Course of the Book.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| 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 Thirteen Reasons Why Characters
How to Facilitate Thoughtful Class Discussions About Character Motivation
Encourage students to share their perspectives on why characters make certain choices. Use open-ended questions to spark deeper thinking and guide the discussion back to the text for evidence. This helps students build analysis skills and connect personally to the story.
Model analyzing a character’s decisions using text evidence
Show students how to find and cite passages that reveal a character’s motivation. Think aloud as you connect character actions to specific events or dialogue in the book. This makes the process transparent and easy to follow.
Guide students to ask clarifying questions about characters
Prompt students to generate questions such as “Why did this character act this way?” or “What might they be feeling here?” Encouraging curiosity helps students read more actively and understand complex character dynamics.
Create small groups for focused character analysis
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a character to discuss. Provide guiding questions and have groups share their insights with the class. This promotes collaboration and deeper understanding.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Ask students to write a short reflection on how their understanding of a character changed after discussion. Personal reflection cements learning and encourages students to consider multiple viewpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thirteen Reasons Why Characters
What is a character map for Thirteen Reasons Why?
A character map for Thirteen Reasons Why is a graphic organizer that helps students track important details, traits, and developments of each major character throughout the novel.
How can I create a character map for Thirteen Reasons Why?
To create a character map, list the major characters, choose visual representations, and fill in sections for traits, their role in Hannah's list, and how they change during the story.
Why is character mapping useful when teaching Thirteen Reasons Why?
Character mapping helps students recall key details, understand character motivations, and notice plot subtleties, making it easier to engage with complex novels like Thirteen Reasons Why.
Who are the main characters I should include in a Thirteen Reasons Why character map?
Main characters to include are Hannah Baker, Clay Jensen, Justin Foley, Alex Standall, Jessica Davis, and others central to the story’s events.
What should I include in each section of a character map for this novel?
Each section should cover character traits, reasons they're on Hannah's list, and how they change over the course of the book.
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Thirteen Reasons Why
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