Activity Overview
Eddie changes physically and emotionally over the course of the novel as he learns different lessons and new information from his five people. Use the activity for Character Evolution with your students to help them keep track of how Eddie evolves throughout the course of the novel.
Eddie's Character Evolution Example
| STAGE | EDDIE'S TRAITS | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | 83-year old gentleman, dutifully maintaining rides at Ruby Pier; he walks in pain from an old injury; he keeps to himself | Eddie is a widower who lost his wife when she was only 47 years old. He took over the maintenance job at Ruby Pier after his father’s death, and he blames his father for being stuck at that job. He has a knee injury that bothers him from the war. |
| Conflict/Rising Action | Feels young again in Heaven and not in pain; then the old injury comes back; confused; can’t figure out why he is there; guilty | Eddie is transitioning through his childhood, to his time as a soldier. Along the way, he is learning lessons, but he is also learning that he accidentally killed the Blue Man, his Captain is the one who shot him, and his Captain died as they were trying to flee the coal mining village. He is also filled with anger and hatred at seeing his father, but soon learns he needs to let go. |
| Climax | Eddie is old and feeling like he did at the time of his death on earth again; sad; lonely; despairing | Eddie has just learned that love never dies from Marguerite, but then she has left him again. He misses her. He sees Tala, and he discovers that he accidentally killed her; he is devastated, and feels like he didn’t do anything with his life. |
| Falling Action | Hopeful; peaceful; enlightened | Tala reveals to Eddie that it was no accident that he worked at Ruby Pier; he was supposed to be there, and that because of his work, he kept many children safe. In doing so, he has made up for what he did to Tala. |
| Resolution | Enlightened; pain-free; at home | Now that Eddie has learned all that he needs to learn, he feels free and filled with understanding about his life. He is reunited with Marguerite, and he is now waiting in line to greet Amy or Annie when she arrives. |
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 storyboard that shows the evolution of Eddie throughout the course of The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
- Use the Character Evolution Template to get started.
- Break the story down into Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. What traits does Eddie have?
- Illustrate one or more of the traits for each stage of the story.
- Identify major events in each part of the story that affected Eddie.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Evolution Traits and Analysis | The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point clearly shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, although some of the analyses might be unclear or inaccurate. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point attempts to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, but some of the analyses may be inaccurate, unclear, or minimal. There is an attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified incorrectly, are missing, or are too limited to score. There is minimal or no analysis to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, and there may be no attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Eddie changes physically and emotionally over the course of the novel as he learns different lessons and new information from his five people. Use the activity for Character Evolution with your students to help them keep track of how Eddie evolves throughout the course of the novel.
Eddie's Character Evolution Example
| STAGE | EDDIE'S TRAITS | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|
| Exposition | 83-year old gentleman, dutifully maintaining rides at Ruby Pier; he walks in pain from an old injury; he keeps to himself | Eddie is a widower who lost his wife when she was only 47 years old. He took over the maintenance job at Ruby Pier after his father’s death, and he blames his father for being stuck at that job. He has a knee injury that bothers him from the war. |
| Conflict/Rising Action | Feels young again in Heaven and not in pain; then the old injury comes back; confused; can’t figure out why he is there; guilty | Eddie is transitioning through his childhood, to his time as a soldier. Along the way, he is learning lessons, but he is also learning that he accidentally killed the Blue Man, his Captain is the one who shot him, and his Captain died as they were trying to flee the coal mining village. He is also filled with anger and hatred at seeing his father, but soon learns he needs to let go. |
| Climax | Eddie is old and feeling like he did at the time of his death on earth again; sad; lonely; despairing | Eddie has just learned that love never dies from Marguerite, but then she has left him again. He misses her. He sees Tala, and he discovers that he accidentally killed her; he is devastated, and feels like he didn’t do anything with his life. |
| Falling Action | Hopeful; peaceful; enlightened | Tala reveals to Eddie that it was no accident that he worked at Ruby Pier; he was supposed to be there, and that because of his work, he kept many children safe. In doing so, he has made up for what he did to Tala. |
| Resolution | Enlightened; pain-free; at home | Now that Eddie has learned all that he needs to learn, he feels free and filled with understanding about his life. He is reunited with Marguerite, and he is now waiting in line to greet Amy or Annie when she arrives. |
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 storyboard that shows the evolution of Eddie throughout the course of The Five People You Meet in Heaven.
- Use the Character Evolution Template to get started.
- Break the story down into Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. What traits does Eddie have?
- Illustrate one or more of the traits for each stage of the story.
- Identify major events in each part of the story that affected Eddie.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Evolution Traits and Analysis | The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point clearly shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point shows the link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, although some of the analyses might be unclear or inaccurate. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the five plot points. The analysis of the traits at each plot point attempts to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, but some of the analyses may be inaccurate, unclear, or minimal. There is an attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified incorrectly, are missing, or are too limited to score. There is minimal or no analysis to establish a link between the events that happen in the story and their impact on the character, and there may be no attempt to reveal insight and understanding of the character's journey and the work as a whole. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Character Evolution in The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Design a character evolution timeline for your classroom wall
Create a large, visual timeline on a bulletin board or wall where students can track Eddie’s changing traits and milestones throughout the novel. This helps students see character growth at a glance and encourages ongoing engagement with the story.
Assign students to illustrate key moments from each story stage
Ask students to draw or digitally create scenes representing Eddie’s character at each plot stage. Visuals help students connect emotionally and make abstract changes more concrete for everyone in the class.
Facilitate group discussions on why Eddie changes
Lead small group or partner discussions about the reasons behind Eddie’s evolution at each stage. This deepens understanding and encourages students to use evidence from the text to support their ideas.
Encourage students to write personal reflections on Eddie’s journey
Invite students to journal about how Eddie’s experiences relate to their own lives or someone they know. Reflective writing boosts empathy and personal connection to the novel.
Celebrate progress with a class showcase of student work
Host a classroom ‘gallery walk’ where students display their timelines, illustrations, and reflections. Sharing their work builds classroom community and lets students take pride in their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Evolution in The Five People You Meet in Heaven
What is Eddie's character evolution in The Five People You Meet in Heaven?
Eddie's character evolution in The Five People You Meet in Heaven involves his transformation from a lonely, guilt-ridden maintenance worker to someone who finds peace, purpose, and understanding about his life and sacrifices after learning lessons from five significant people in Heaven.
How can students track Eddie’s changes throughout the novel?
Students can track Eddie’s changes by using a Character Evolution Template to break down the story into key stages—Exposition, Conflict/Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution—while noting Eddie's traits, major events, and emotional growth at each point.
What are some key traits Eddie shows at each stage of the story?
At Exposition, Eddie is dutiful but withdrawn; during Conflict/Rising Action, he feels confusion and guilt; at the Climax, he is lonely and despairing; in Falling Action, he becomes hopeful and enlightened; and at the Resolution, Eddie is pain-free and at peace.
What lessons does Eddie learn from the five people he meets in heaven?
Eddie learns that every life has meaning, forgiveness is vital, love never ends, sacrifices matter, and that his work at Ruby Pier saved many lives, giving his own life profound purpose.
What is the best way to help students illustrate Eddie’s character development?
The best way is to have students create a storyboard or character evolution chart using the provided template, identifying Eddie's traits and major events at each story stage, and illustrating how those events shaped his growth.
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