Activity Overview
Identifying and keeping track of characters is important, especially when the names are unfamiliar and hard to remember. But sometimes, someone comes along who is exceedingly interesting, someone like Medea, whose motives and actions are difficult to decipher.
Have your students create a three-cell storyboard that looks very carefully at one character. The example below shows Medea, but most characters benefit from closer examination. Focus on what drives the character to action, and why they may behave in the manner that they do.
Medea Character Analysis
Medea is a fascinating, yet terrifying, character. She is the granddaughter of the Titan, Helios, and a servant of Hecate, the goddess of sorcery. She is also a talented user of magic herself.
After being shot with Eros' arrow, she gives up her city's treasure, leaves home, murders her brother, stares down the bronze giant Talos, and convinces Pelias' daughters that cutting up and boiling one's father is a good idea.
Such is the power of love. Medea makes great sacrifices for Jason's sake, doing all of these amazing and horrifying things, and he ends up leaving her for a political marriage. Shouldn't Jason have known NOT to cross her?
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 analyzing a character in detail.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Describe the character in one cell.
- Describe actions or characteristics displayed by the character in the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| 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
Identifying and keeping track of characters is important, especially when the names are unfamiliar and hard to remember. But sometimes, someone comes along who is exceedingly interesting, someone like Medea, whose motives and actions are difficult to decipher.
Have your students create a three-cell storyboard that looks very carefully at one character. The example below shows Medea, but most characters benefit from closer examination. Focus on what drives the character to action, and why they may behave in the manner that they do.
Medea Character Analysis
Medea is a fascinating, yet terrifying, character. She is the granddaughter of the Titan, Helios, and a servant of Hecate, the goddess of sorcery. She is also a talented user of magic herself.
After being shot with Eros' arrow, she gives up her city's treasure, leaves home, murders her brother, stares down the bronze giant Talos, and convinces Pelias' daughters that cutting up and boiling one's father is a good idea.
Such is the power of love. Medea makes great sacrifices for Jason's sake, doing all of these amazing and horrifying things, and he ends up leaving her for a political marriage. Shouldn't Jason have known NOT to cross her?
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 analyzing a character in detail.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Describe the character in one cell.
- Describe actions or characteristics displayed by the character in the story.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Trait Analysis | Written explanation of the scene clearly and accurately explains the connection between the character's actions and his or her personality and character development. | Written explanation of the scene attempts to explain the scene's connection to the character's personality and development. Some explanations may be unclear. | Written explanation of the scenes fails to correctly explain the connection between the actions depicted and the character's personality and development. |
| Storyboard Scenes | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the character trait, through depiction of a specific instance in the text. | Storyboard cells show some connection with the character trait, through depiction of the novel, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand or fail to capture a specific event in the text. | Storyboard cells do not demonstrate the appropriate character traits or fail to include any specific textual references. |
| 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 Analyzing Characters in Jason and the Argonauts
How to help students compare and contrast characters in Jason and the Argonauts
Guide students to identify similarities and differences between two or more characters using a Venn diagram or a comparison chart. This visual approach helps students organize their thoughts and deepen comprehension by analyzing motivations, actions, and traits side by side.
Select two compelling characters for comparison
Pick characters with distinct personalities or choices. For example, choose Medea and Jason to highlight contrasting motivations and decisions that drive the story.
Create a simple Venn diagram or chart on the board
Draw two overlapping circles or a comparison table where students can visually organize shared and unique qualities of each character. This supports visual learners and makes content more accessible.
List key traits, actions, and motivations for each character
Ask students to brainstorm adjectives, behaviors, and decisions for both characters. Place shared qualities in the overlap and unique ones in the separate sections. This process encourages critical thinking about character development.
Discuss how similarities and differences affect the story
Lead a class conversation about how character interactions shape the plot and themes. Highlight how contrasts between characters drive conflict and reveal deeper messages in the myth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Analyzing Characters in Jason and the Argonauts
How can I help students analyze a character from Jason and the Argonauts?
To help students analyze a character from Jason and the Argonauts, guide them to focus on the character's background, motivations, and key actions. Encourage them to use a storyboard to visually map out these aspects, which makes complex characters like Medea easier to understand.
What is a simple way to teach character analysis for Jason and the Argonauts?
A simple approach is to have students create a three-cell storyboard: one cell for the character's description, one for their significant actions, and one for their motivations. This breaks down analysis into manageable steps for grades 6–12.
Why is Medea considered a complex character in Jason and the Argonauts?
Medea is complex because her actions are driven by powerful emotions, magic, and conflicting loyalties. She makes extreme sacrifices and choices that can be both heroic and terrifying, making her motives difficult to decipher for students.
What are some key actions Medea takes in Jason and the Argonauts?
Medea helps Jason by betraying her family, using magic, and overcoming obstacles like Talos. She also manipulates others and takes drastic measures out of love, showcasing her importance and depth in the story.
How can I create a character map activity for my class based on Jason and the Argonauts?
Create a character map by having students identify a character, describe their traits, list key actions, and note their motivations. Illustrating each example with scenes from the story helps solidify understanding and engagement.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: Jason and the Argonauts
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