Activity Overview
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Karana
- Ramo
- Ulape
- Chief Chowig
- Captain Orlov
- Matasaip
- Kimki
- The Rescuers
- Rontu
- Rontu-Aru
- Tutok
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 Island of the Blue Dolphins 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.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Character Traits, What Challenges Does This Character Face, and How Does This Character Impact the Plot.
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
In this activity, students should depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students should provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changed over time.
Characters included in the character map are:
- Karana
- Ramo
- Ulape
- Chief Chowig
- Captain Orlov
- Matasaip
- Kimki
- The Rescuers
- Rontu
- Rontu-Aru
- Tutok
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 Island of the Blue Dolphins 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.
- Fill in the text boxes for Physical/Character Traits, What Challenges Does This Character Face, and How Does This Character Impact the Plot.
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 Island of the Blue Dolphins Character Map
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Character Growth
Encourage students to share their insights about how characters change throughout the story. Use open-ended questions to spark thoughtful conversations and help students connect character development to real-life experiences.
Model Analyzing Character Motivations
Demonstrate how to look for clues in the text about why characters act a certain way. Think aloud as you read, highlighting internal and external factors that influence decisions.
Guide Students to Use Text Evidence
Prompt students to support their ideas about characters with specific examples from the book. Remind them to quote or paraphrase key moments that show traits or changes.
Incorporate Visual Aids to Deepen Understanding
Use graphic organizers, anchor charts, or digital tools to help students visualize character relationships and traits. Display these visuals during discussions for quick reference.
Connect Character Growth to Personal Experiences
Invite students to reflect on times they faced challenges or changed over time. Facilitate connections between their lives and the character’s journey to build empathy and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Island of the Blue Dolphins Character Map
What is a character map for Island of the Blue Dolphins?
A character map for Island of the Blue Dolphins is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze key information about the novel's characters, including their traits, actions, challenges, and how they affect the story's plot.
How can I help students identify character traits in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Guide students to look for descriptions, dialogue, and actions in the text to identify both physical and personality traits for each character. Encourage them to use evidence from the story to support their choices.
What are some good questions to ask about Karana's character development?
Ask questions like: How does Karana change from the beginning to the end of the story? What challenges does she face? How do her decisions impact other characters and the plot?
What is the best way to structure a character map activity for 4th or 5th graders?
The best way is to provide students with a template featuring sections for names, character traits, challenges, and plot impact. Encourage creativity by letting students choose colors, poses, and backgrounds that fit each character.
How does creating a character map support reading comprehension?
Creating a character map helps students visualize relationships, track changes over time, and deepen their understanding of the story by connecting character actions to the overall plot.
More Storyboard That Activities
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
