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The Devil and Tom Walker Character Evolution
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Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
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Activity Overview


Characters are an essential part of any story. Characters drive plot forward and help create and resolve conflicts. Characters are also the main reason a story exists. However, as a story is told, characters often change or evolve with the plot. Whether being hit by forces outside their control or due to figurative internal battles, many of a character's attributes are a result of the events that occur.

For students, it is important to track the evolution of a character so they can fully understand what effects and influences can change a person. Engage your students with a character evolution map!

Using Tom Walker, ask students to compare his traits before and after he makes his deal with the Devil. Students can track his beliefs, they way he acts, and what he says to illustrate their understanding.

As Tom gets older, he begins to worry about his actions, but does he actually change? Support your opinion with examples from the text.


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Write "Before the Deal" and "After the Deal" in the headings.
  3. Fill out attitude, statements, and actions as you read.
  4. Add images using appropriate scenes and characters.
  5. Save and Exit
Simple 2 Cells T-Chart Worksheet Template
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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Character Development


Activity Overview


Characters are an essential part of any story. Characters drive plot forward and help create and resolve conflicts. Characters are also the main reason a story exists. However, as a story is told, characters often change or evolve with the plot. Whether being hit by forces outside their control or due to figurative internal battles, many of a character's attributes are a result of the events that occur.

For students, it is important to track the evolution of a character so they can fully understand what effects and influences can change a person. Engage your students with a character evolution map!

Using Tom Walker, ask students to compare his traits before and after he makes his deal with the Devil. Students can track his beliefs, they way he acts, and what he says to illustrate their understanding.

As Tom gets older, he begins to worry about his actions, but does he actually change? Support your opinion with examples from the text.


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

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Write "Before the Deal" and "After the Deal" in the headings.
  3. Fill out attitude, statements, and actions as you read.
  4. Add images using appropriate scenes and characters.
  5. Save and Exit
Simple 2 Cells T-Chart Worksheet Template
More options

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Character Development


How Tos about Character Evolution of Tom Walker

1

Organize a classroom debate about Tom Walker's character change

Engage students in a lively discussion by hosting a debate on whether Tom Walker truly evolves after his deal with the Devil. This encourages evidence-based thinking and deeper text analysis.

2

Assign debate roles and set clear expectations

Divide students into two groups: one argues Tom changed, the other argues he stayed the same. Assign roles like speaker, note-taker, and rebuttal leader to keep everyone involved.

3

Guide students to gather textual evidence

Instruct each team to find specific quotes or scenes showing Tom's beliefs, words, and actions before and after the deal. Emphasize using direct evidence to support their arguments.

4

Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful discussion

Moderate the debate, ensuring students listen to each other and respond thoughtfully. Highlight strong arguments and model respectful disagreement.

5

Reflect as a class and connect to character evolution

Lead a follow-up discussion on what the debate revealed about Tom Walker’s character. Encourage students to reflect on how analyzing character change deepens story understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Character Evolution of Tom Walker

What is character evolution in literature?

Character evolution refers to the way a character changes or grows throughout a story, influenced by events and conflicts. These changes help readers understand motives, themes, and lessons in literature.

How does Tom Walker's character change after his deal with the Devil?

After making a deal with the Devil, Tom Walker becomes wealthier but also more anxious and fearful about his fate. While his outward behavior changes, the story encourages students to consider if he truly transforms inside or just responds to guilt and fear.

How can students track the evolution of Tom Walker in the classroom?

Students can use a character evolution map to compare Tom Walker's traits, actions, and beliefs before and after his fateful deal. This visual organizer helps students analyze his changing attitudes and choices with supporting evidence from the text.

Why is it important for students to study character evolution?

Studying character evolution helps students understand how external events or internal struggles influence behavior. It encourages critical thinking about human nature, motivation, and the consequences of choices in stories and real life.

What are some effective classroom activities for teaching character development?

Effective activities include character evolution maps, group discussions, role-play, and analyzing key scenes for character shifts. Visual and collaborative activities support deeper understanding of how and why characters change.




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