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!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in The Kite Runner.
The Kite Runner Characters Example
Amir
- Physical Traits: Ethnic Pastun; dark hair and eyes; not athletic
- Character Traits: Loves to read stories and poetry; makes up his own stories; becomes a writer; guilty and ashamed; desires the love and respect of his father; gets carsick; fearful and timid
- Quote
“I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan – the way he’d stood up for me all those times in the past – and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. In the end, I ran.”
Other characters included in this map are: Hassan, Baba, Ali, Assef, Soraya, Rahim Khan and Sohrab.
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 The Kite Runner and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Cultural" or other appropriate tabs 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 Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
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!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in The Kite Runner.
The Kite Runner Characters Example
Amir
- Physical Traits: Ethnic Pastun; dark hair and eyes; not athletic
- Character Traits: Loves to read stories and poetry; makes up his own stories; becomes a writer; guilty and ashamed; desires the love and respect of his father; gets carsick; fearful and timid
- Quote
“I could step into that alley, stand up for Hassan – the way he’d stood up for me all those times in the past – and accept whatever would happen to me. Or I could run. In the end, I ran.”
Other characters included in this map are: Hassan, Baba, Ali, Assef, Soraya, Rahim Khan and Sohrab.
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 The Kite Runner and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "Cultural" or other appropriate tabs 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 Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
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 The Kite Runner Character Map
Engage students with a creative character analysis discussion
Encourage your students to discuss each character’s motivations and growth throughout the novel. Open-ended questions help them dig deeper and form connections between the characters’ actions and the story’s themes.
Assign each student a character to research and present
Give every student (or pair) one character to explore in depth. Have them present physical traits, character traits, and key moments using their own words and findings. This builds ownership and confidence in their understanding.
Guide students to create visual character web diagrams
Ask students to draw a web connecting major characters, showing their relationships and conflicts. Use arrows, colors, and labels to make connections clear. This visual aid helps students see the bigger picture and character dynamics.
Facilitate small-group skits to bring characters to life
Divide the class into small groups and assign each a key scene. Let them act out the scene, focusing on how the characters interact and express emotions. Performing helps students internalize character traits and motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Kite Runner Character Map
What is a character map in literature and how can it help students reading The Kite Runner?
A character map is a graphic organizer that helps students track important traits, relationships, and quotes for each character in a novel. When reading The Kite Runner, a character map makes it easier to understand the story’s complex characters and follow key plot developments.
How do you create a character map for The Kite Runner?
To create a character map for The Kite Runner, list the major characters, choose images or icons to represent them, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, and significant quotes. This helps students visualize and remember details as they read.
Why is character mapping useful for teaching The Kite Runner in high school?
Character mapping helps high school students track character development and relationships in The Kite Runner, making it easier to identify themes, analyze motivations, and understand the impact of key events on each character.
Which characters should be included in a Kite Runner character map?
A complete Kite Runner character map should include Amir, Hassan, Baba, Ali, Assef, Soraya, Rahim Khan, and Sohrab, as these characters play major roles in the story and its themes.
What is the best way to use a character map activity in a classroom lesson on The Kite Runner?
The best way is to have students create or update their character maps as they read, either individually or in pairs. This encourages engagement, close reading, and helps students notice subtle character changes throughout The Kite Runner.
More Storyboard That Activities
Kite Runner, The
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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
