Activity Overview
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Beyond the Bright Sea, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Beyond the Bright Sea.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
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
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in Beyond the Bright Sea, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in Beyond the Bright Sea.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
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 Characters in Beyond the Bright Sea
Organize a collaborative character analysis discussion
Invite students to work in small groups to discuss and compare their character maps. This promotes deeper understanding by allowing students to share insights and challenge each other's interpretations of the characters.
Assign character map roles for group work
Designate specific roles, such as summarizer, illustrator, and trait tracker, to each student in a group. This encourages participation and ensures every student contributes meaningfully to the character map creation.
Set clear guidelines for character evidence
Require students to cite specific details from the text when describing character traits and changes. This practice strengthens text evidence skills and promotes accuracy in their character analysis.
Incorporate visual symbols for character traits
Encourage students to use simple icons or drawings to represent key traits or changes in their character maps. Visual elements aid memory and make the maps more engaging for all learners.
Facilitate a character map gallery walk
Display finished character maps around the classroom and allow students to walk around and view each other's work. This activity celebrates creativity and exposes students to diverse perspectives on the novel's characters.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in Beyond the Bright Sea
What is a character map in Beyond the Bright Sea?
A character map in Beyond the Bright Sea is a visual tool that helps students organize information about each character, including their physical traits, personality, challenges, and how they change throughout the novel.
How do I create a character map for Beyond the Bright Sea?
To create a character map, choose a representative character image, then fill out sections such as physical/character traits, how the character changes, and the challenges faced. Using a storyboard tool can help organize these details visually.
Why is making a character map helpful for students reading Beyond the Bright Sea?
Making a character map helps students better understand character development and their importance to the plot, making it easier to track how major and minor characters grow and interact throughout the story.
What key traits should I include in a character map for Beyond the Bright Sea?
Include physical attributes, character traits, the challenges each character faces or causes, and how each character changes over the course of the book.
What grade level is the Beyond the Bright Sea character map activity best for?
The character map activity is best suited for grades 4-6, supporting developing readers in understanding literature more deeply.
More Storyboard That Activities
Beyond the Bright Sea
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
