Activity Overview
In order to demonstrate an understanding of comparing and contrasting characters, students should choose two characters and identify their similarities and differences using a T-Chart.
In this example, Karana is being compared to her tribe. Karana cares about animals and people; she jumps off a ship when she realizes her brother has been left behind. The tribe is not caring; they do not care who is left behind. Karana and her tribe are similar in how they break tradition. In order to survive, Karana must break tribal tradition, which says women cannot make weapons. The tribe also was forced to break tradition; at a time of great loss, the tribe gives women tasks usually designated for men.
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 compares and contrasts characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select two characters or groups to compare.
- In the left cell, describe actions and traits of one character.
- In the right cell, describe what is similar or different for the other character.
- Create an image for an example that illustrates these characteristics.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
Activity Overview
In order to demonstrate an understanding of comparing and contrasting characters, students should choose two characters and identify their similarities and differences using a T-Chart.
In this example, Karana is being compared to her tribe. Karana cares about animals and people; she jumps off a ship when she realizes her brother has been left behind. The tribe is not caring; they do not care who is left behind. Karana and her tribe are similar in how they break tradition. In order to survive, Karana must break tribal tradition, which says women cannot make weapons. The tribe also was forced to break tradition; at a time of great loss, the tribe gives women tasks usually designated for men.
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 compares and contrasts characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Select two characters or groups to compare.
- In the left cell, describe actions and traits of one character.
- In the right cell, describe what is similar or different for the other character.
- Create an image for an example that illustrates these characteristics.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Analysis | Text and images include a clear explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics. These comparisons go beyond superficial elements and show strong understanding. | Text and images include an explanation of similarities and/or differences between the categories or topics, but the explanation may lack clarity or show only superficial understanding in some squares. | Text and images may include no explanation of similarities and/or differences, or they may make only superficial or inaccurate comparisons. |
| Storyboard Image and Effort | Student clearly shows effort to convey the setting, characters and specific scene of the book. The scene is clearly identifiable based on the graphic depiction. | Student attempts to convey the setting, characters, and specific scene through use of graphics, but the depiction may be confusing, disordered, or lack some detail. | Student does not clearly convey the setting, characters, and scene. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Student uses exemplary spelling and grammar. There are no errors. | Student makes one or two minor errors in spelling and grammar. | Student makes multiple errors in spelling and grammar. |
How Tos about Compare and Contrast Characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Character Differences
Encourage student participation by asking open-ended questions about each character's choices and motivations. Guide students to cite specific examples from the text to support their ideas. This approach builds critical thinking and helps everyone see multiple perspectives.
Model Completing a T-Chart with the Class
Demonstrate how to fill out a T-Chart by selecting two characters and writing their traits on the board. Think aloud as you identify similarities and differences. This strategy shows students exactly how to organize their thoughts before they start working independently.
Assign Collaborative Pair Work for Deeper Analysis
Pair students up and have each pair choose two characters to compare. Encourage respectful discussion as they find similarities and differences together. This promotes teamwork and deeper understanding of the characters.
Integrate Evidence from the Text
Remind students to use quotes or specific events from the story to support their comparisons. Model how to find and reference evidence in the text. This practice strengthens reading comprehension and supports their analysis.
Wrap Up with a Reflective Writing Prompt
Ask students to write a short reflection on how understanding character similarities and differences changes their view of the story. Provide prompts to spark ideas, such as "How did comparing Karana and her tribe help you understand the theme?" This encourages personal connection to the text.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare and Contrast Characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins
How can students compare and contrast characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Students can compare and contrast characters in Island of the Blue Dolphins by selecting two characters or groups, then using a T-Chart to list similarities and differences in their actions and traits. This visual organizer helps highlight key character qualities and supports deeper understanding.
What is a T-Chart and how is it used in character comparison?
A T-Chart is a simple graphic organizer with two columns. For character comparison, one side lists traits or actions of one character, while the other side lists those of another. This format makes it easy for students to see what is similar and different between characters.
Can you give an example of comparing Karana and her tribe?
For example, Karana cares deeply for animals and people, shown when she risks her safety for her brother. In contrast, her tribe is less caring, leaving others behind. Both Karana and her tribe, however, break tradition to survive, highlighting both differences and similarities.
What are the steps for a compare and contrast storyboard lesson?
To create a compare and contrast storyboard: 1) Select two characters or groups. 2) Use a T-Chart to note similarities and differences. 3) Create images that illustrate these traits or actions. 4) Discuss findings as a class or in pairs for deeper analysis.
Why is comparing and contrasting characters important in 4th and 5th grade reading lessons?
Comparing and contrasting characters helps students build critical thinking and comprehension skills. It encourages close reading, supports understanding of character motivations, and makes connections between text and real-life experiences—key goals for upper elementary literacy.
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
