Activity Overview
Johnny Tremain is a strongly dynamic character who matures significantly over the novel’s two-year span. Students should be able to identify ways that Johnny changes and incidents that illustrate this change. Storyboarding can be an excellent way to identify and depict these moments. In a brief two-cell storyboard, students can show a “before and after” pair, identifying one of Johnny’s early character qualities and the way it develops over time. Expanding the assignment to include multiple pairs can be helpful preparation for writing assignments on character development.
Character Change in Johnny Tremain
Hot-headed
Early in the book, Johnny gets angry easily and shouts out rude and insulting comments. When he insults Mr. Lyte in anger, he makes a powerful enemy.
Patient
After living with Rab, Johnny learns patience. When Sam Adams's servant Sukey splashes water on Johnny, he counts to ten before getting angry. As a result, he is invited inside for pie.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left header, write a trait that Johnny exhibited early on in the story. In the right header, write a new trait that shows how Johnny has changed.
- In the descriptions, add details and examples of these traits.
- Illustrate each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Johnny Tremain is a strongly dynamic character who matures significantly over the novel’s two-year span. Students should be able to identify ways that Johnny changes and incidents that illustrate this change. Storyboarding can be an excellent way to identify and depict these moments. In a brief two-cell storyboard, students can show a “before and after” pair, identifying one of Johnny’s early character qualities and the way it develops over time. Expanding the assignment to include multiple pairs can be helpful preparation for writing assignments on character development.
Character Change in Johnny Tremain
Hot-headed
Early in the book, Johnny gets angry easily and shouts out rude and insulting comments. When he insults Mr. Lyte in anger, he makes a powerful enemy.
Patient
After living with Rab, Johnny learns patience. When Sam Adams's servant Sukey splashes water on Johnny, he counts to ten before getting angry. As a result, he is invited inside for pie.
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
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left header, write a trait that Johnny exhibited early on in the story. In the right header, write a new trait that shows how Johnny has changed.
- In the descriptions, add details and examples of these traits.
- Illustrate each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Character Growth in Johnny Tremain
Guide students in finding textual evidence of Johnny’s character growth
Show students how to highlight specific quotes and passages from the novel that directly demonstrate Johnny’s changes. Model how to select short, impactful lines that reveal his evolving traits for students to use in their storyboard or writing assignments.
Facilitate a whole-class discussion on character change moments
Lead a conversation where students share moments they noticed Johnny changing. Encourage students to build on each other’s observations and connect these to the story’s events for deeper understanding.
Organize students into pairs for collaborative storyboard planning
Have students work together to brainstorm and map out character trait pairs before creating their storyboards. This collaboration encourages idea sharing and helps students refine their understanding of Johnny’s transformation.
Create an anchor chart of character traits and evidence
Build a classroom anchor chart listing Johnny’s traits at the start and end of the novel, adding supporting quotes under each. Refer to the chart during activities to reinforce connections between the text and character growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Character Growth in Johnny Tremain
How does Johnny Tremain change throughout the novel?
Johnny Tremain transforms from a hot-headed, impulsive apprentice into a more patient and mature young man. Key incidents, such as learning from mistakes and forming new relationships, help him develop empathy and self-control over time.
What are examples of Johnny’s character growth in Johnny Tremain?
Examples include Johnny learning patience after living with Rab, resisting anger when provoked, and shifting from selfishness to teamwork. These moments highlight his journey from immaturity to maturity in the story.
What is the best way to teach character development using Johnny Tremain?
A great method is to use storyboarding, where students create "before and after" scenes showing Johnny’s traits and how they evolve. This visual approach helps students clearly identify and analyze his character development.
Why is Johnny Tremain considered a dynamic character?
Johnny is considered dynamic because he undergoes significant internal changes, especially in his personality, values, and responses to challenges, making his growth central to the novel’s theme.
How can students illustrate Johnny Tremain’s character evolution in class?
Students can create a two-cell storyboard with one side showing Johnny’s early trait (like anger) and the other depicting his evolved trait (like patience), using scenes and examples from the book to support their analysis.
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