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 and details about important characters. With character mapping, it’s easy for students to follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in 1984. Have the students provide the character’s physical traits, internal character traits, and a quote for support.
Winston Smith
- Physical Traits:
- Character Traits:
- Quote
39 years old; varicose ulcer above his right ankle; works in the Ministry of Truth, changing historical records and newspapers to make Big Brother look truthful; not very healthy physically; wears blue overalls of the Outer Party
Initially introduced as sort of a dull man, he eventually shows another side when he comes home, hides himself from the telescreen, and writes in a journal: “Down with Big Brother.” He meets Julia, becomes enamored with her and with the idea of overthrowing Ingsoc.
“theyll shoot me i dont care theyll shoot me in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother they always shoot you in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother--”
Other characters included in this map are Julia, O’Brien, and Big Brother
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.
- Identify the major characters in 1984 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 Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Quote.
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 and details about important characters. With character mapping, it’s easy for students to follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in 1984. Have the students provide the character’s physical traits, internal character traits, and a quote for support.
Winston Smith
- Physical Traits:
- Character Traits:
- Quote
39 years old; varicose ulcer above his right ankle; works in the Ministry of Truth, changing historical records and newspapers to make Big Brother look truthful; not very healthy physically; wears blue overalls of the Outer Party
Initially introduced as sort of a dull man, he eventually shows another side when he comes home, hides himself from the telescreen, and writes in a journal: “Down with Big Brother.” He meets Julia, becomes enamored with her and with the idea of overthrowing Ingsoc.
“theyll shoot me i dont care theyll shoot me in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother they always shoot you in the back of the neck i dont care down with big brother--”
Other characters included in this map are Julia, O’Brien, and Big Brother
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.
- Identify the major characters in 1984 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 Physical Traits, Character Traits, and Quote.
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 1984 Character Map
Incorporate character maps into group discussions for deeper analysis
Use character maps as talking points during group discussions to encourage all students to contribute their observations. This helps students notice subtle traits and perspectives they might miss alone, building critical thinking and collaborative skills.
Assign character map roles to promote participation
Give each student or small group a specific character to map and present their findings to the class. Sharing different character perspectives boosts engagement and ensures every student has a voice.
Guide students to use textual evidence for character traits
Encourage students to support their trait choices with direct quotes from the text. This practice strengthens close reading skills and reinforces the importance of citing evidence.
Facilitate regular updates to character maps as the story progresses
Ask students to revisit and revise their character maps after major plot events. This keeps analysis dynamic and helps students track character development over time.
Connect character maps to creative projects for added engagement
Invite students to create visual or digital versions of their maps, such as posters or slideshows. This taps into multiple learning styles and makes character exploration more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1984 Character Map
What is a character map for 1984 and how can teachers use it in class?
A character map for 1984 is a visual organizer that helps students track physical traits, internal traits, and key quotes for major characters like Winston, Julia, O’Brien, and Big Brother. Teachers can use it as a reference during reading or as a lesson activity to deepen understanding and support literary analysis.
How do you create a character map for 1984?
To create a character map for 1984, identify main characters, choose images or symbols to represent them, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, and memorable quotes. Students can use colors and scenes that match each character’s role in the novel for added engagement.
What character traits should be included for Winston Smith in 1984?
Include Winston Smith’s physical traits (like age and health), his internal traits (such as rebelliousness and curiosity), and a supporting quote. For example: ‘Down with Big Brother’ shows his defiant nature and inner conflict.
Why is using a character map effective for teaching 1984 to high school students?
Character maps help high school students organize key details, understand character motivations, and track relationships in complex novels like 1984. This visual approach supports comprehension and critical thinking, making literary analysis more accessible.
What are some quick tips for helping students fill out a character map for 1984?
Encourage students to use direct quotes, pick distinctive traits, and select meaningful visual elements for each character. Remind them to think about how each character’s actions reflect their traits and role in the story for a more insightful map.
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