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 frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Johnny Tremain Characters
- Johnny Tremain
- Rab Silsbee
- Cilla Lapham
- Isannah Lapham
- Mrs. Lapham
- Lavinia Lyte
- Mr. Lyte
- Dove
- Lieutenant Stranger
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 Johnny Tremain and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1600s to 1800s" tab 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 Textables for Physical Character Traits, How does this character change over time?, and Political Affiliation.
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 frequently become important as the plot progresses. With character mapping, students will record this information, helping them follow along and catch the subtleties which make reading more enjoyable!
Johnny Tremain Characters
- Johnny Tremain
- Rab Silsbee
- Cilla Lapham
- Isannah Lapham
- Mrs. Lapham
- Lavinia Lyte
- Mr. Lyte
- Dove
- Lieutenant Stranger
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 Johnny Tremain and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1600s to 1800s" tab 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 Textables for Physical Character Traits, How does this character change over time?, and Political Affiliation.
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 Johnny Tremain Characters
How to facilitate meaningful character discussions using your students’ character maps
Encourage students to use their completed character maps as prompts for thoughtful discussion. Invite them to share observations about character growth, motivations, and relationships to deepen understanding of the novel.
Review character maps as a whole class
Project several student character maps and highlight similarities and differences in how students interpret each character. This fosters critical thinking and validates diverse perspectives.
Ask open-ended questions about character choices
Pose questions like, “Why do you think Johnny made this decision?” to spark dialogue and debate. Encourage evidence-based responses referencing details from their maps.
Connect character traits to historical context
Guide students to link character actions to the time period. Discuss how the Revolutionary era influences motivations and political affiliations shown in the maps.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt
Invite students to write a short reflection on which character they relate to most and why, using details from their maps. This deepens personal connections and reinforces understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnny Tremain Characters
What is a character map for Johnny Tremain and how can it help students?
A character map for Johnny Tremain is a visual organizer that helps students track key details, traits, and changes in major characters. Using a character map makes it easier to understand relationships, motives, and character development throughout the novel.
How do I create a character map for Johnny Tremain with my class?
To create a Johnny Tremain character map, have students list main characters, choose representative images, and fill in details like physical traits, character growth, and political affiliations. Encourage creativity with scenes and colors that match each character's personality.
Which are the major characters students should include in a Johnny Tremain character map?
Key characters to include are Johnny Tremain, Rab Silsbee, Cilla Lapham, Isannah Lapham, Mrs. Lapham, Lavinia Lyte, Mr. Lyte, Dove, and Lieutenant Stranger. Adding these helps students track the most important relationships and events in the story.
Why is character mapping beneficial for middle school readers?
Character mapping benefits middle school readers by helping them remember details, follow character changes, and better understand the plot. It also supports close reading and engages students with visual learning strategies.
What details should students include when mapping Johnny Tremain characters?
Students should note physical traits, how the character changes over time, and their political affiliations. Adding important scenes or quotes can deepen understanding and make the character map more meaningful.
More Storyboard That Activities
Johnny Tremain
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
