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!
A character map helps students remember each member of the novel and their important traits. Plus, it helps for tracking physiognomy, and it encourages students to utilize the text to support their ideas.
Key Characters
| Hester Prynne | The protagonist of the novel; convicted of adultery; has a daughter as a result of her affair; must wear a scarlet “A” for the rest of her life |
|---|---|
| Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale | The revered minister of the town of Boston; the secret father of Hester’s daughter; is suffering physical ailments from his guilt |
| Roger Chillingworth | The antagonist of the novel; Hester’s long-lost husband, thought to have been lost at sea; masquerades as a doctor and doesn’t allow Hester to reveal his identity; becomes Dimmesdale’s personal physician |
| Pearl | Hester and Dimmesdale’s daughter; lively and energetic, which goes against the acceptable behavior of the town; seems almost otherworldly |
| Mistress Hibbins | Governor Bellingham’s sister; purported to be a witch; likes to go into the woods |
| Governor Bellingham | Governor of Massachusetts; brother of Mistress Hibbins; oversees Hester’s Trial |
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 Scarlet Letter 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 Traits, Character Traits, and 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!
A character map helps students remember each member of the novel and their important traits. Plus, it helps for tracking physiognomy, and it encourages students to utilize the text to support their ideas.
Key Characters
| Hester Prynne | The protagonist of the novel; convicted of adultery; has a daughter as a result of her affair; must wear a scarlet “A” for the rest of her life |
|---|---|
| Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale | The revered minister of the town of Boston; the secret father of Hester’s daughter; is suffering physical ailments from his guilt |
| Roger Chillingworth | The antagonist of the novel; Hester’s long-lost husband, thought to have been lost at sea; masquerades as a doctor and doesn’t allow Hester to reveal his identity; becomes Dimmesdale’s personal physician |
| Pearl | Hester and Dimmesdale’s daughter; lively and energetic, which goes against the acceptable behavior of the town; seems almost otherworldly |
| Mistress Hibbins | Governor Bellingham’s sister; purported to be a witch; likes to go into the woods |
| Governor Bellingham | Governor of Massachusetts; brother of Mistress Hibbins; oversees Hester’s Trial |
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 Scarlet Letter 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 Traits, Character Traits, and 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 Physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter
Integrate physiognomy analysis into daily reading discussions
Begin each reading session by asking students to note any physical descriptions or facial expressions mentioned in the text. This encourages students to pay attention to how physiognomy reveals character traits and intentions, making literary analysis more dynamic and engaging.
Guide students to connect character traits with visual evidence
Have students use sticky notes or digital tools to mark passages that describe a character’s appearance. Then, ask them to explain how these details support their understanding of the character’s personality or motives, fostering evidence-based reasoning.
Facilitate small group discussions focused on physiognomy
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a character. Encourage them to discuss how the author’s descriptions of physical traits influence their perception of the character, promoting collaborative interpretation and deeper comprehension.
Encourage students to illustrate characters using textual clues
Ask students to draw or digitally create a portrait of a character based on textual evidence. This activity reinforces close reading and attention to detail, and helps visual learners connect with the text.
Assess understanding with reflective exit slips
At the end of the lesson, prompt students to write a brief reflection on how physiognomy shaped their view of a character. This quick assessment helps you gauge student comprehension and guides future instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter
What is physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter?
Physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter refers to the use of physical appearance and facial features to reveal a character’s inner traits or moral character. Nathaniel Hawthorne uses physiognomy to help readers understand his characters’ personalities and struggles.
How can a character map help students understand The Scarlet Letter?
A character map helps students track key characters, their physical traits, and personalities as the story unfolds. This tool makes it easier to follow the plot, remember details, and spot important changes in each character throughout The Scarlet Letter.
What are some examples of physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter?
Examples of physiognomy in The Scarlet Letter include Hester’s dignified bearing despite her shame, Dimmesdale’s declining health reflecting his guilt, and Chillingworth’s increasingly sinister appearance as his obsession grows.
Why is tracking character traits important when reading The Scarlet Letter?
Tracking character traits helps students notice subtle changes, understand motivations, and see how characters’ appearances reflect their inner lives. This deepens comprehension and engagement with the novel’s themes.
What is the best way to create a character map for The Scarlet Letter?
The best way is to list each major character, note their physical traits, character traits, and a key quote. Students can add images and choose backgrounds to visually connect traits to each character, making the map both informative and memorable.
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