Activity Overview
Learning about characters’ backgrounds and motivations can help students better understand why characters behave the way they do and make connections to other books they have read, or to their own lives. Characters are often what make the story, and Rick Riordan does an amazing job of staying true to the traditional mythological characters while updating them to fit our modern world.
As students read, they can keep a character reference log. A character map allows students to recall important information on characters. When reading a novel, little attributes often return to become an important plot details. Through the use of character mapping, students will catch this information and will be able to follow the fine points which make reading more enjoyable.
By clicking "Use This Assignment", both the example above and a blank template will copy into your teacher account. Depending on your students, you can provide them with scaffolded templates. Feel free to adjust as desired, and even add additional questions for students to answer.
For a quick way to incorporate character maps into the classroom, you can print out these storyboards as a worksheet 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.
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 of the important characters in The Lightning Thief. Be sure to include gods, humans, and demi gods!
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Make the third box "Parentage and Powers."
- Identify the main characters in the story.
- Select Storyboard That characters to represent each one.
- Identify important traits of each character.
- Identify the powers each character has and their parentage (if applicable).
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
Learning about characters’ backgrounds and motivations can help students better understand why characters behave the way they do and make connections to other books they have read, or to their own lives. Characters are often what make the story, and Rick Riordan does an amazing job of staying true to the traditional mythological characters while updating them to fit our modern world.
As students read, they can keep a character reference log. A character map allows students to recall important information on characters. When reading a novel, little attributes often return to become an important plot details. Through the use of character mapping, students will catch this information and will be able to follow the fine points which make reading more enjoyable.
By clicking "Use This Assignment", both the example above and a blank template will copy into your teacher account. Depending on your students, you can provide them with scaffolded templates. Feel free to adjust as desired, and even add additional questions for students to answer.
For a quick way to incorporate character maps into the classroom, you can print out these storyboards as a worksheet 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.
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 of the important characters in The Lightning Thief. Be sure to include gods, humans, and demi gods!
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Make the third box "Parentage and Powers."
- Identify the main characters in the story.
- Select Storyboard That characters to represent each one.
- Identify important traits of each character.
- Identify the powers each character has and their parentage (if applicable).
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 The Lightning Thief Character Map
Organize a collaborative character map activity for your class
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different character from The Lightning Thief. Encourage teamwork as they research and fill out the character map, focusing on traits, relationships, and parentage. This approach ensures active participation and allows students to learn from each other during presentations.
Set clear expectations and provide structured roles
Assign specific tasks within each group, such as researcher, illustrator, and presenter. Clarifying roles helps students stay organized and ensures everyone contributes. Structured collaboration builds accountability and maximizes learning.
Facilitate group research with targeted resources
Offer students access to reliable sources like the book, reputable websites, and class notes. Guide them to focus on key character attributes, motivations, and mythological connections. Targeted research deepens understanding and supports accurate character mapping.
Support creative presentation of group findings
Encourage groups to share their character maps using posters, digital slides, or skits. Creative presentations make learning more engaging and help classmates remember important details. Celebrate diverse approaches to boost confidence and enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lightning Thief Character Map
What is a character map for The Lightning Thief?
A character map for The Lightning Thief is a visual organizer that helps students track and analyze key details about the novel’s main characters, including their backgrounds, traits, parentage, and powers.
How can I use a character map to teach The Lightning Thief in my classroom?
You can use a character map as a worksheet or digital assignment where students fill in information about each character’s traits, powers, and parentage. This helps students remember important details and make deeper connections as they read.
What are some tips for creating an effective Lightning Thief character map?
Include sections for each character’s name, parentage, powers, traits, and role in the story. Use visuals or icons to represent characters, and encourage students to cite examples from the text for each trait or power.
Why is character mapping important when reading The Lightning Thief?
Character mapping helps students notice recurring details, understand motivations, and make connections to mythology and their own lives, enhancing comprehension and engagement with the novel.
What template should I use for a Lightning Thief character map activity?
Use a template with boxes for character name, parentage and powers, important traits, and visual representation. The article recommends making the third box “Parentage and Powers” to align with the story’s themes.
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