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 can become more important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students can record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties that make reading more enjoyable!
Using a character map for Frankenstein is even more beneficial. It allows students to record the nuances of characteristics that create "foil" characters. The information that they record will help them to return and review personalities that contrast. The ability to visually see this helps students create connections and makes understanding concepts easier.
Frankenstein Characters
| Victor Frankenstein | Protagonist whose scientific discovery led to the creation of a "monster". |
|---|---|
| The Monster | The creature Frankenstein created is eight feet tall and has the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of a human being. After being rejected by his creator and others in society, he turns to murder to get revenge on Victor, the person he holds responsible. |
| William Frankenstein & Justine Moritz |
The younger brother of Victor, the first victim of the monster, and the maid framed for William’s death. |
| Elizabeth | Victor's cousin, whom he marries. She is killed because Victor will not make a bride for his monster. |
| Walton | An explorer who finds Victor near death and hears his story. Walton's recollections open and close the novel. |
| Henry Clerval | Victor’s best friend and narrative foil; he is cheerful and optimistic. |
| The De Lacey Family | Felix and Agatha are former French aristocrats. The monster learns from them by watching them through a peephole for over a year. |
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 Frankenstein 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 the text boxes for Static or Dynamic Character; General Traits; Quote about fear, rejection, or nurturing; and Quote about knowledge, science, or nature.
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
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 can become more important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students can record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties that make reading more enjoyable!
Using a character map for Frankenstein is even more beneficial. It allows students to record the nuances of characteristics that create "foil" characters. The information that they record will help them to return and review personalities that contrast. The ability to visually see this helps students create connections and makes understanding concepts easier.
Frankenstein Characters
| Victor Frankenstein | Protagonist whose scientific discovery led to the creation of a "monster". |
|---|---|
| The Monster | The creature Frankenstein created is eight feet tall and has the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of a human being. After being rejected by his creator and others in society, he turns to murder to get revenge on Victor, the person he holds responsible. |
| William Frankenstein & Justine Moritz |
The younger brother of Victor, the first victim of the monster, and the maid framed for William’s death. |
| Elizabeth | Victor's cousin, whom he marries. She is killed because Victor will not make a bride for his monster. |
| Walton | An explorer who finds Victor near death and hears his story. Walton's recollections open and close the novel. |
| Henry Clerval | Victor’s best friend and narrative foil; he is cheerful and optimistic. |
| The De Lacey Family | Felix and Agatha are former French aristocrats. The monster learns from them by watching them through a peephole for over a year. |
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 Frankenstein 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 the text boxes for Static or Dynamic Character; General Traits; Quote about fear, rejection, or nurturing; and Quote about knowledge, science, or nature.
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 Mapping Frankenstein Characters
Use character maps to support evidence-based discussions
Encourage students to reference their character maps during class debates or literature circles. This helps students back up their points with concrete details and deepens their understanding of the text.
Model connecting character traits to textual evidence
Demonstrate how to link character traits with specific quotes or passages from the novel. Showing examples on the board builds student confidence and ensures everyone understands how to use evidence effectively.
Facilitate peer feedback on character maps
Pair students to review each other's maps and offer suggestions or questions. This promotes collaboration and encourages students to notice details they might have missed.
Integrate short reflection prompts after mapping
Ask students to write a quick reflection about how mapping helped them understand a character’s motivations or relationships. This solidifies learning and provides valuable formative assessment data.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mapping Frankenstein Characters
What is a character map for Frankenstein and how does it help students?
A character map for Frankenstein is a visual tool that helps students track and organize key details about the novel's characters as they read. By recording character traits, quotes, and relationships, students can better understand their roles, spot contrasts between "foil" characters, and remember important plot points, making reading and analysis easier.
How do you create a Frankenstein character map for high school students?
To create a Frankenstein character map, list all major characters, choose images or icons to represent them, and fill in boxes with their traits, quotes, and roles in the story. Encourage students to include details on whether each is static or dynamic, and highlight key themes like fear, rejection, or knowledge. This can be done individually or in pairs using paper or digital tools.
Why is character mapping important when teaching Frankenstein?
Character mapping helps students make sense of complex relationships and subtle character traits in Frankenstein. It supports deeper comprehension by allowing learners to visualize contrasts, track changes, and recall details that are crucial for understanding themes and plot development.
What are examples of character traits to include in a Frankenstein character map?
Important character traits for a Frankenstein map include Victor’s ambition, the Monster’s loneliness, Elizabeth’s compassion, Henry’s optimism, and Walton’s curiosity. Highlighting differences, such as static vs. dynamic roles, also helps students analyze character growth and conflicts.
What is the difference between static and dynamic characters in Frankenstein?
Static characters remain largely unchanged throughout the story, while dynamic characters undergo significant growth or shifts. In Frankenstein, Victor and the Monster are often seen as dynamic characters due to their evolving motivations and perspectives, while others like Henry Clerval are considered more static.
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