Activity Overview
Storyboarding is an excellent way to show character development over time. Esperanza changes greatly in response to the many challenges she faces throughout the book. Students can create storyboards to compare and contrast Esperanza’s character qualities at the beginning and end of the book. Have students depict a scene from the beginning of the novel that shows a contrasting character trait from a scene later in the novel. Below each scene, students can explain the character quality that Esperanza demonstrates through her thoughts, words, or actions.
An alternative way of addressing this character development could be to create a cause and effect storyboard, using the left column of the T-chart to illustrate the cause that leads to the character development depicted on the right.
Esperanza Rising Character Evolution
| Beginning | End |
|---|---|
| When Esperanza is traveling on the train to Los Angeles, she selfishly refuses to allow a little girl to touch her doll. She thinks the little girl is too poor and dirty. | After she grows to know and love Isabel, Esperanza selflessly gives away her precious birthday doll from Papa. |
| On El Rancho de las Rosas, Esperanza dislikes crocheting and complains that it is boring. | After Mama falls ill, Esperanza spends her rare free time crocheting Abuelita's blanket as a sign of love for Mama. Esperanza has learned patience. |
| At the beginning of the book, Esperanza tells Miguel that she and he stand on different sides of the river, referring to her high social position and his low one. When Miguel tries to hold her hand in a friendly way, Esperanza pulls away. | By the end of the book, Esperanza appreciates Miguel as her equal. She reaches out to hold his hand while they listen to the earth's heartbeat. |
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
Depict contrasting moments in the novel, to show how Esperanza changes over the course of the book.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- On the left-hand side, depict a scene from early in the novel in which Esperanza demonstrates a trait and explain how she does so.
- On the right-hand side, depict a scene from later in the novel in which Esperanza demonstrates a contrasting 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 Evolution Traits and Analysis | The character traits conveyed in the examples are correct and the examples demonstrate a clear change in the character from the beginning to the end of the book. | Most of the character traits conveyed in the examples are correct and most examples demonstrate a clear change in the character from the beginning to the end of the book. | Several character traits are not accurate to the character or poorly demonstrated through the example given. The storyboard does not accurately show evolution of a character. |
| Artistic Depictions | The images match the events described in the text box. The student has demonstrated effort and creativity in selecting character and setting details that reveal important qualities of the character. | Most images match the events described in the text box. The student has used some graphic details to reveal important qualities of the character. | The images do not match the events in the text box. The student has made little or no attempt to adapt the graphics to demonstrate character traits. |
| 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
Storyboarding is an excellent way to show character development over time. Esperanza changes greatly in response to the many challenges she faces throughout the book. Students can create storyboards to compare and contrast Esperanza’s character qualities at the beginning and end of the book. Have students depict a scene from the beginning of the novel that shows a contrasting character trait from a scene later in the novel. Below each scene, students can explain the character quality that Esperanza demonstrates through her thoughts, words, or actions.
An alternative way of addressing this character development could be to create a cause and effect storyboard, using the left column of the T-chart to illustrate the cause that leads to the character development depicted on the right.
Esperanza Rising Character Evolution
| Beginning | End |
|---|---|
| When Esperanza is traveling on the train to Los Angeles, she selfishly refuses to allow a little girl to touch her doll. She thinks the little girl is too poor and dirty. | After she grows to know and love Isabel, Esperanza selflessly gives away her precious birthday doll from Papa. |
| On El Rancho de las Rosas, Esperanza dislikes crocheting and complains that it is boring. | After Mama falls ill, Esperanza spends her rare free time crocheting Abuelita's blanket as a sign of love for Mama. Esperanza has learned patience. |
| At the beginning of the book, Esperanza tells Miguel that she and he stand on different sides of the river, referring to her high social position and his low one. When Miguel tries to hold her hand in a friendly way, Esperanza pulls away. | By the end of the book, Esperanza appreciates Miguel as her equal. She reaches out to hold his hand while they listen to the earth's heartbeat. |
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
Depict contrasting moments in the novel, to show how Esperanza changes over the course of the book.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- On the left-hand side, depict a scene from early in the novel in which Esperanza demonstrates a trait and explain how she does so.
- On the right-hand side, depict a scene from later in the novel in which Esperanza demonstrates a contrasting 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 Evolution Traits and Analysis | The character traits conveyed in the examples are correct and the examples demonstrate a clear change in the character from the beginning to the end of the book. | Most of the character traits conveyed in the examples are correct and most examples demonstrate a clear change in the character from the beginning to the end of the book. | Several character traits are not accurate to the character or poorly demonstrated through the example given. The storyboard does not accurately show evolution of a character. |
| Artistic Depictions | The images match the events described in the text box. The student has demonstrated effort and creativity in selecting character and setting details that reveal important qualities of the character. | Most images match the events described in the text box. The student has used some graphic details to reveal important qualities of the character. | The images do not match the events in the text box. The student has made little or no attempt to adapt the graphics to demonstrate character traits. |
| 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 Character Evolution in Esperanza Rising
Organize a Character Evolution Timeline Activity
Help students visualize Esperanza’s transformation by having them create a timeline of key events and character shifts. This approach enables learners to see how specific moments spark change in Esperanza’s behavior and attitudes.
Select pivotal moments from the novel
Ask students to identify 4–6 turning points in Esperanza’s journey. Encourage them to choose scenes that show a clear before-and-after in her character traits.
Assign each event to a point on the timeline
Have students place each chosen event chronologically on their timeline. This step helps students track Esperanza’s growth over time.
Describe Esperanza’s attitude at each stage
Instruct students to write a brief explanation for each event, highlighting how Esperanza’s actions, words, or thoughts reveal her evolving character. Support them in using evidence from the text.
Facilitate class discussion to reflect on growth
Lead a conversation where students share their timelines and insights. Encourage them to discuss what factors contributed most to Esperanza’s evolution and how her experiences relate to their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Evolution in Esperanza Rising
How does Esperanza's character change in Esperanza Rising?
Esperanza's character evolves from being privileged and self-centered to becoming compassionate, patient, and resilient. Early in the novel, she struggles with empathy and humility, but by the end, she shows generosity, understanding, and emotional growth in response to her hardships.
What is a simple activity to teach character development in Esperanza Rising?
A great activity is to have students create storyboards that compare Esperanza’s traits at the beginning and end of the book. They can depict contrasting scenes and explain the changes in Esperanza’s thoughts, words, or actions.
How can students use storyboarding to explore Esperanza's evolution?
Students can use a storyboard or T-chart to illustrate key moments that show Esperanza’s transformation. One side shows an early scene and trait; the other side presents a later, contrasting scene and explains how Esperanza has changed because of specific events or relationships.
What are some examples of Esperanza's character traits at the start and end of the book?
At the start, Esperanza is selfish and resistant to change, such as when she refuses to share her doll. By the end, she is generous and empathetic, giving her cherished doll to Isabel and supporting her family with patience and kindness.
Why is comparing and contrasting character traits important in literature lessons?
Comparing and contrasting character traits helps students understand personal growth and the impact of experiences on individuals. It encourages critical thinking about how and why characters change, making literature more meaningful and relatable.
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