Activity Overview
Tris Prior’s divergence means that she has three main character traits, rather than one. Ask your students to find examples of Tris demonstrating these traits as a means of practicing character analysis. For each trait, have them depict a scene, followed by an explanation of Tris’ character in that scene. Adapt this activity to a personal response project by asking your students to choose the three factions with which they identify best and depict their own actions in support of this.
Example Divergent Character Analysis
ERUDITE
Tris shows her erudite side during the capture the flag game. Instead of arguing over how to find their opponents, she cleverly climbs the Ferris wheel in order to get a view of enemy territory. She then organizes an attack plan that leads her team to victory.
ABNEGATION
Tris's abnegation connection is her selflessness. Although she does not feel selfless enough to remain in Abnegation, she can't help trying to help others. When her friend Al is forced to stand still while Four throws knives at him, Tris volunteers to take his place.
DAUNTLESS
Tris proves that she is dauntless early on by becoming the "first jumper". She is the first initiate to boldly jump three stories down into an unseen net below.
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
Prove Tris’s divergence by explaining ways she demonstrates the traits of three different factions.
- Fill in Tris’s name at the bottom of the storyboard web, then fill in her three traits at the top of the squares.
- Depict a scene from the novel in which Tris demonstrates this trait and explain how she does so.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Activity Overview
Tris Prior’s divergence means that she has three main character traits, rather than one. Ask your students to find examples of Tris demonstrating these traits as a means of practicing character analysis. For each trait, have them depict a scene, followed by an explanation of Tris’ character in that scene. Adapt this activity to a personal response project by asking your students to choose the three factions with which they identify best and depict their own actions in support of this.
Example Divergent Character Analysis
ERUDITE
Tris shows her erudite side during the capture the flag game. Instead of arguing over how to find their opponents, she cleverly climbs the Ferris wheel in order to get a view of enemy territory. She then organizes an attack plan that leads her team to victory.
ABNEGATION
Tris's abnegation connection is her selflessness. Although she does not feel selfless enough to remain in Abnegation, she can't help trying to help others. When her friend Al is forced to stand still while Four throws knives at him, Tris volunteers to take his place.
DAUNTLESS
Tris proves that she is dauntless early on by becoming the "first jumper". She is the first initiate to boldly jump three stories down into an unseen net below.
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
Prove Tris’s divergence by explaining ways she demonstrates the traits of three different factions.
- Fill in Tris’s name at the bottom of the storyboard web, then fill in her three traits at the top of the squares.
- Depict a scene from the novel in which Tris demonstrates this trait and explain how she does so.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the storyboard were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Storyboard is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Divergent Character Analysis
Create a Character Trait Chart for Tris
Use a chart to visually organize Tris's three major traits from each faction. This helps students compare her actions and understand how divergent personalities work.
Guide students to find supporting evidence from the text
Have students search for direct quotes or scenes that show Tris acting with Erudite, Abnegation, or Dauntless qualities. Textual evidence builds strong analytical skills.
Facilitate group discussions about character motivations
Organize small groups to discuss why Tris chooses certain actions. Encourage students to connect her decisions to her divergent nature and personal values.
Encourage students to reflect on their own character strengths
Ask students to identify which faction traits they share with Tris. This activity promotes self-awareness and personal connection to literature.
Assess understanding with a creative storyboard project
Have students illustrate scenes showing Tris's three traits and write short explanations beneath each. This combines artistic expression with critical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divergent Character Analysis
What is a Divergent character analysis for Tris Prior?
A Divergent character analysis for Tris Prior explores how she embodies traits from multiple factions—Erudite (intelligent), Abnegation (selfless), and Dauntless (brave)—showing her unique identity and growth throughout the story.
How can students analyze Tris's three main character traits in Divergent?
Students can analyze Tris's three main character traits by identifying scenes where she demonstrates intelligence, selflessness, and bravery. For each trait, they should depict a scene and explain how Tris's actions reflect that quality.
What are examples of Tris Prior showing Erudite, Abnegation, and Dauntless traits?
Examples include Tris climbing the Ferris wheel (Erudite), volunteering for a friend during knife-throwing (Abnegation), and being the first to jump into the net (Dauntless).
How do you adapt a Divergent character analysis into a personal response project for students?
To adapt this analysis, have students choose three factions they identify with, depict scenes showing their own actions for each trait, and explain how they embody those qualities in real life.
What is the best way to structure a Divergent character analysis activity for middle and high school students?
The best structure is to use a storyboard web: write Tris's name at the center, then fill in her three traits at the top of each square. For each, students depict a scene and provide an explanation of her actions, supporting character transformation skills.
More Storyboard That Activities
Divergent
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