Activity Overview
In this activity, students depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changes over time.
Have students create the characters and fill in the information from a template, or you can make the characters on a blank map and print it out for students to complete. Alternatively, assign different characters to different students or groups to go into greater detail. Students or groups can present their information to the rest of the class.
Other characters to consider who were not included in this character map:
- Harlan Granger
- Jeremy Simms
- Mr. Simms
- Mr. Avery
- Mr./Mrs. Berry
- Claude Avery
- Wallace Family
- Mr. Jamison
- “Night 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 character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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/Character Traits, What Challenges Does This Character Face, and How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students depict the characters of the story, paying close attention to the physical and character traits of both major and minor characters. Students provide detailed information regarding the characters’ actions and how they influence other characters. In addition, students can identify how the main character changes over time.
Have students create the characters and fill in the information from a template, or you can make the characters on a blank map and print it out for students to complete. Alternatively, assign different characters to different students or groups to go into greater detail. Students or groups can present their information to the rest of the class.
Other characters to consider who were not included in this character map:
- Harlan Granger
- Jeremy Simms
- Mr. Simms
- Mr. Avery
- Mr./Mrs. Berry
- Claude Avery
- Wallace Family
- Mr. Jamison
- “Night 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 character map for the major characters.
- Identify the major characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character 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/Character Traits, What Challenges Does This Character Face, and How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character.
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 all appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect strong understanding of the book's most important characters. | Most of the characters and scenes are appropriate for the book's characters. They reflect emerging understanding of the book's most important characters. | Many of the characters and scenes do not match the characters in the book. The project reflects a lack of understanding of the major characters. |
| 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. | Much of the information of the notes is incomplete and/or incorrect and irrelevant. |
| Effort and Editing | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. Spelling and grammar are correct. | Most of the sections of the character map were at least attempted and work is presentable. The text contains some errors in spelling and/or grammar. | Character map is unfinished and/or disorganized. The text contains many errors in spelling and/or grammar. |
How Tos about Illustrating Characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Engage students in meaningful character discussions
Encourage students to share their insights and opinions about each character. Foster respectful dialogue by asking open-ended questions and guiding them to back up their ideas with evidence from the text.
Assign character map roles for collaborative learning
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different character to analyze. This promotes ownership and allows for deeper exploration of character traits and motivations.
Guide students to use text evidence in character mapping
Prompt students to find and cite specific passages from the book that reveal character traits or changes. Highlight the importance of supporting their ideas with textual evidence.
Facilitate student presentations of character findings
Invite each group to present their character maps to the class. Encourage visual aids and creative formats to make the presentations engaging for all students.
Reflect on how character changes impact the story
Lead a class discussion on how the main character’s development affects the plot and other characters. Connect these changes to the novel’s themes for deeper understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating Characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
How can I create a character map for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
To create a character map for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, list the major characters, represent each with an image or drawing, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, challenges faced, and interactions with the main character. Use a template or a blank map for visual organization.
What are effective ways to help students analyze characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Effective approaches include having students identify character traits, describe key actions, discuss how characters influence each other, and track changes in the main character throughout the story. Group presentations and detailed templates can deepen understanding.
Which characters should be included in a character map for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Include both major and minor characters such as Cassie Logan, Stacey Logan, Harlan Granger, Jeremy Simms, Mr. Simms, Mr./Mrs. Berry, Claude Avery, the Wallace Family, Mr. Jamison, and the “Night Men.” This provides a comprehensive view of the story’s dynamics.
What should students focus on when illustrating characters in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?
Students should focus on physical and character traits, challenges faced, and how each character interacts with the main character. Using relevant colors, scenes, and poses helps convey personality and context.
How can character maps support understanding of character development in middle school ELA?
Character maps support ELA learning by helping students visualize relationships, track character growth, and analyze conflicts. They make complex narratives more accessible and encourage analytical thinking in a visual format.
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
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