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!
For this character map, try using “OSCAR” so that students can analyze multiple ways that a character is developed. OSCAR requires students to seek textual evidence to identify the various lenses through which a character is portrayed by both direct and indirect characterization.
| DEFINITION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| O |
Other Character's Comments
What do other characters say about the character? |
"When the scientists of the future show up to my house with robot eyes...I will tell them to screw off because I do not want to see a future without him." - Isaac |
| S |
Speech
What does the character say about others or themselves? How can we infer meaning and traits from what a character says? |
"We should team up and be this disabled vigilante duo ...righting wrongs, defending the weak, protecting the endangered." |
| C | Physical Characteristics
What does the character look like? What descriptive words are used to describe them? |
Athletic, strong, good-looking, has a prosthetic leg |
| A | Author's Attitude
How does the author feel about this character? |
Hazel admires and loves Gus: "Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity..." |
| R | Reader's Reaction
How do you, as the reader, feel about the character? |
Augustus is a likable character due to his humor, intelligence, kindness, and love for Hazel. |
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 Fault in Our Stars and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That 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 OSCAR: Other Character's Comments, Character's Speech, Physical Characteristics, Author's Attitude, and Reader's Reaction.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Characterization quotes | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 3 or more quotes that exemplify direct characterization. The student also had them correctly labeled next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find find a few examples of direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. |
| Indirect Characterization quotes | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 3 or more quotes that exemplify indirect characterization. The student also had them correctly labeled next to the corresponding letter. For extra credit the student explained the significance of their examples and inferred meaning. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify indirect characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. |
| Use of characters and imagery | Student completed the storyboard using characters that match their full description. Careful thought and consideration was used in all details including physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. | Student completed the storyboard using characters that somewhat match the full description. Thought and consideration was used in details including physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. | Student completed the storyboard using characters that did not match the full description. Thought and consideration was not used in choosing details such as physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. |
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!
For this character map, try using “OSCAR” so that students can analyze multiple ways that a character is developed. OSCAR requires students to seek textual evidence to identify the various lenses through which a character is portrayed by both direct and indirect characterization.
| DEFINITION | EXAMPLE | |
|---|---|---|
| O |
Other Character's Comments
What do other characters say about the character? |
"When the scientists of the future show up to my house with robot eyes...I will tell them to screw off because I do not want to see a future without him." - Isaac |
| S |
Speech
What does the character say about others or themselves? How can we infer meaning and traits from what a character says? |
"We should team up and be this disabled vigilante duo ...righting wrongs, defending the weak, protecting the endangered." |
| C | Physical Characteristics
What does the character look like? What descriptive words are used to describe them? |
Athletic, strong, good-looking, has a prosthetic leg |
| A | Author's Attitude
How does the author feel about this character? |
Hazel admires and loves Gus: "Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity..." |
| R | Reader's Reaction
How do you, as the reader, feel about the character? |
Augustus is a likable character due to his humor, intelligence, kindness, and love for Hazel. |
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 Fault in Our Stars and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a Storyboard That 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 OSCAR: Other Character's Comments, Character's Speech, Physical Characteristics, Author's Attitude, and Reader's Reaction.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Characterization quotes | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 3 or more quotes that exemplify direct characterization. The student also had them correctly labeled next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find find a few examples of direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. |
| Indirect Characterization quotes | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 3 or more quotes that exemplify indirect characterization. The student also had them correctly labeled next to the corresponding letter. For extra credit the student explained the significance of their examples and inferred meaning. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify indirect characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. | Using the acronym OSCAR the student was able to find 1 or 2 quotes that exemplify direct characterization. Some error may have occurred when labeling the quotes next to the corresponding letter. |
| Use of characters and imagery | Student completed the storyboard using characters that match their full description. Careful thought and consideration was used in all details including physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. | Student completed the storyboard using characters that somewhat match the full description. Thought and consideration was used in details including physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. | Student completed the storyboard using characters that did not match the full description. Thought and consideration was not used in choosing details such as physical appearance, clothing, height, weight, etc. |
How Tos about The Fault in Our Stars OSCAR Analysis
Organize student groups for collaborative OSCAR character mapping
Grouping students promotes discussion and helps them notice more character details while using the OSCAR method. Small groups encourage every student to contribute and spark new ideas for analyzing characters.
Assign roles to ensure active participation
Give each student a specific OSCAR lens (Other Character's Comments, Speech, Characteristics, Author's Attitude, Reader's Reaction). This ensures every group member is engaged and brings a unique viewpoint to the analysis.
Guide students to collect evidence from the text
Encourage students to find direct quotes or passages for their assigned lens. Using textual evidence sharpens their reading skills and supports deeper understanding of character development.
Facilitate group discussion to combine findings
Have groups share their evidence and discuss how each lens reveals different aspects of the character. This collaborative synthesis helps students see the full picture and appreciate the complexity of characterization.
Create a shared OSCAR character map as a class display
Combine each group's findings into a large, visual character map for the classroom. This showcases student work, reinforces learning, and serves as a helpful reference for future discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Fault in Our Stars OSCAR Analysis
What is the OSCAR method for character analysis in literature?
The OSCAR method is a framework for analyzing characters by examining Other character's comments, the character's Speech, Physical characteristics, the Author's attitude, and the Reader's reaction. This approach helps students gather textual evidence and understand both direct and indirect characterization.
How can I use OSCAR to analyze characters in The Fault in Our Stars?
To use OSCAR for analyzing characters in The Fault in Our Stars, students create a character map and fill in each OSCAR category with examples from the novel. This process encourages deeper reading and helps students track key traits and development of major characters.
What are some example questions for each letter in OSCAR?
For O (Other Character's Comments): What do others say about the character? For S (Speech): What does the character say? For C (Physical Characteristics): How is the character described? For A (Author's Attitude): How does the author portray the character? For R (Reader's Reaction): How do you feel about the character?
Why is character mapping important when teaching novels like The Fault in Our Stars?
Character mapping helps students track important details and subtle traits as the plot unfolds. It supports comprehension, encourages critical thinking, and makes reading more engaging by clarifying how characters are developed.
What tips can teachers use to create effective OSCAR character maps with students?
Teachers can guide students to select relevant quotes, encourage use of visuals like storyboards, vary groupings (individual, partner, or group), and prompt discussion about each OSCAR category to deepen understanding of characters.
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Fault in Our Stars, The
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