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!
Gene Forrester
Physical Traits
16-17 years old, 5’8 ½” tall, 140 pounds, athletic, smart, sarcastic; has a “West Point stride”Character Traits
Jealous and insecure; concerned with rules and regulations; feels guilty after knocking Finny out of the tree; lies about his background; afraid of the warQuote
“But by now I no longer needed this vivid false identity; now I was acquiring, I felt, a sense of my own real authority and worth.”
Other characters included in this map are: Phineas “Finny”, Elwin “Leper” Lepellier, Brinker Hadley, Cliff Quackenbush, and Dr. Stanpole
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 A Separate Peace 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!
Gene Forrester
Physical Traits
16-17 years old, 5’8 ½” tall, 140 pounds, athletic, smart, sarcastic; has a “West Point stride”Character Traits
Jealous and insecure; concerned with rules and regulations; feels guilty after knocking Finny out of the tree; lies about his background; afraid of the warQuote
“But by now I no longer needed this vivid false identity; now I was acquiring, I felt, a sense of my own real authority and worth.”
Other characters included in this map are: Phineas “Finny”, Elwin “Leper” Lepellier, Brinker Hadley, Cliff Quackenbush, and Dr. Stanpole
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 A Separate Peace 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 A Separate Peace Character Map
Engage Students with Collaborative Character Discussions
Boost student engagement by organizing small group discussions where students share their character maps and insights. This interactive approach helps deepen understanding as students compare interpretations and discover new perspectives on each character.
Set clear expectations for group sharing
Explain the discussion format and outline your goals for respectful listening and thoughtful responses. Clear guidelines help students feel comfortable sharing and ensure everyone participates meaningfully.
Assign roles to structure the activity
Designate roles such as discussion leader, note-taker, and timekeeper to keep conversations focused and fair. Structured roles prevent off-topic chatter and encourage all students to contribute.
Encourage evidence-based responses
Prompt students to reference character traits, quotes, or scenes from their maps when sharing opinions. This practice reinforces critical thinking and helps students support their ideas with text evidence.
Wrap up with a whole-class reflection
Facilitate a brief discussion where each group shares highlights or surprising insights. Sharing as a class builds community and ensures that students learn from each other's interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Separate Peace Character Map
What is a character map for A Separate Peace?
A character map for A Separate Peace is a graphic organizer that helps students track important details about each character, such as physical traits, personality, and key quotes, making it easier to analyze the novel and understand character development.
How do I create a character map for major characters in A Separate Peace?
To create a character map, list each main character’s name, choose an image or symbol to represent them, and fill in sections for physical traits, character traits, and a memorable quote. Add relevant backgrounds or colors to reflect each character’s personality and role in the story.
Why is character mapping useful when teaching A Separate Peace?
Character mapping helps students remember key details, recognize subtle character changes, and better understand relationships and themes in A Separate Peace. It encourages close reading and deeper engagement with the text.
What are some example character traits of Gene Forrester?
Gene Forrester is described as athletic, smart, sarcastic, jealous, insecure, and concerned with rules. He struggles with guilt and identity, especially after his actions impact Finny, showcasing his complex inner conflicts.
What are the steps for students to complete a character map activity?
Students should: 1) Identify major characters in A Separate Peace; 2) Assign each character to a section of the map; 3) Select images, colors, and backgrounds that fit; 4) Fill in details on physical traits, character traits, and a key quote for each character.
More Storyboard That Activities
Separate Peace, A
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
