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!
Divergent Characters
- Tris Prior
- Caleb Prior
- Natalie Prior
- Andrew Prior
- Four
- Eric
- Al
- Peter
- Christina
- Jeanine Matthews
- Marcus
- Tori
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 Divergent 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.
- Replace the bold words in the text boxes with the following categories for each character: Physical appearance and character traits:, What motivates this character?, and How does this character interact with the main character? Write sentences or bullet points to provide details for each category.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
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!
Divergent Characters
- Tris Prior
- Caleb Prior
- Natalie Prior
- Andrew Prior
- Four
- Eric
- Al
- Peter
- Christina
- Jeanine Matthews
- Marcus
- Tori
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 Divergent 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.
- Replace the bold words in the text boxes with the following categories for each character: Physical appearance and character traits:, What motivates this character?, and How does this character interact with the main character? Write sentences or bullet points to provide details for each category.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Divergent Character Analysis
How to facilitate a character map discussion to deepen student understanding
Encourage students to share their character maps in small groups or as a whole class. Collaborative discussion helps students recognize diverse perspectives and strengthens comprehension.
Guide students to ask open-ended questions about character motivations
Model how to ask questions like, "Why do you think Tris made that choice?" or "What motivates Four to act this way?" Open-ended questions spark richer analysis and classroom dialogue.
Prompt students to use text evidence when describing character traits
Remind students to support their character map notes with quotes or specific moments from the book. This boosts critical thinking and grounds observations in the text.
Incorporate visuals or symbols to represent character traits
Suggest students add drawings, icons, or symbols to their character maps. Visual elements help students remember key traits and make maps more engaging.
Connect character decisions to themes in Divergent
Encourage students to discuss how a character’s choices relate to major themes like bravery, identity, or belonging. This deepens understanding and connects analysis to larger ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divergent Character Analysis
What is a character map in literature, and how can it help students understand Divergent?
A character map is a visual tool that records details about characters’ traits, motivations, and relationships. For Divergent, it helps students track important information, making it easier to follow the story and understand character development.
How do I create a character map for Divergent with my students?
To make a Divergent character map, list the major characters, assign each a visual or color, and fill in categories like appearance, motivations, and interactions with Tris. Use sentences or bullet points for each, and encourage background scenes that fit the story.
What are some key character traits of Tris Prior in Divergent?
Tris Prior is known for her bravery, curiosity, and strong sense of identity. She faces difficult choices, questions authority, and grows into a leader throughout the novel.
Why is character mapping important when teaching novels like Divergent?
Character mapping helps students remember details, see how characters change, and understand their roles in the plot. This makes reading novels like Divergent more engaging and meaningful.
What are some tips for helping students identify major and minor characters in Divergent?
Encourage students to look for recurring names, pay attention to who interacts most with Tris, and note which characters drive the plot forward. Discussing characters as a class also helps clarify their importance.
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