Activity Overview
In this activity, students will depict the characters of the story using a character map. Have students pay close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students will provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Characters
- Greg Heffley
- Mom
- Dad
- Rodrick
- Manny
- Rowley
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 Diary of a Wimpy Kid and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That 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 Textables for Physical/Character Traits, Character Changes Over Time, and Challenges Character Faces.
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
In this activity, students will depict the characters of the story using a character map. Have students pay close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students will provide detailed information regarding how the characters interact with the main characters, as well as challenges the characters face.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Characters
- Greg Heffley
- Mom
- Dad
- Rodrick
- Manny
- Rowley
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 Diary of a Wimpy Kid and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That 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 Textables for Physical/Character Traits, Character Changes Over Time, and Challenges Character Faces.
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 Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Engage students with creative character analysis journals
Boost engagement by having students create their own character analysis journals. Personalized journals help students reflect on character development, make connections, and deepen understanding of how characters grow throughout the story.
Assign each student a character to track throughout the book
Encourage ownership by letting students focus on one character. Tracking a single character helps students notice subtle changes, motivations, and relationships they might otherwise miss.
Guide students to record key events and character reactions
Prompt close reading by asking students to note important events and how their character responds. This builds empathy and critical thinking as students consider why characters act the way they do.
Facilitate periodic journal check-ins and discussions
Foster collaboration by scheduling regular check-ins where students share insights. Group discussions highlight different perspectives and encourage thoughtful analysis.
Encourage creative responses like drawings, quotes, or letters
Support diverse learners by inviting students to add drawings, favorite quotes, or write letters from their character's point of view. Creative responses make character analysis more engaging and accessible for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Characters in Diary of a Wimpy Kid
What is a character map for Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
A character map for Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a visual organizer where students identify and describe the main and supporting characters, detailing their traits, relationships, and challenges throughout the story.
How can I teach students to identify character traits in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Guide students to look at characters’ actions, dialogue, and interactions. Encourage them to use examples from the text to support their ideas, and fill in a character map listing both physical and personality traits.
What are the main characters in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
The main characters are Greg Heffley (the protagonist), his family (Mom, Dad, Rodrick, Manny), and his best friend Rowley.
What is an easy character mapping activity for 4th or 5th graders?
Have students use a simple template or storyboard tool to select characters, assign images, and list traits, changes, and challenges for each character. This visual activity is engaging and age-appropriate.
Why is character mapping important in reading comprehension lessons?
Character mapping helps students understand relationships, motivations, and development, improving their reading comprehension and critical thinking about the story.
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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