Activity Overview
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in The Night Diary, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in The Night Diary.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
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
Character maps are a helpful tool for students to use as they're reading, although they can also be used after completing a book. In this activity, students will create a character map of the characters in The Night Diary, paying close attention to the physical attributes and the traits of both major and minor characters. Students can also provide detailed information regarding the challenges the character faces, the challenges the character imposes, and the importance of the character to the plot of the story.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a character map for the major characters in The Night Diary.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Choose a Storyboard That character to represent each of the book characters. Note: be sure to select colors and a pose appropriate to story and character traits.
- Fill in Textables for "Physical/Character Traits", "How does this character change throughout the novel?", and "What challenges does this character face?"
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 The Night Diary Character Map
How to Facilitate a Post-Reading Character Map Discussion
Guide students in sharing their character maps by creating a safe, open environment. Encourage each student to explain their choices for character traits and challenges, and ask peers to offer respectful feedback or additional insights. This builds critical thinking and helps students connect more deeply with the story.
Encourage students to compare character growth
Ask students to identify and discuss how each character changes from the beginning to the end of the book. Use guiding questions to prompt thinking, such as: What events caused the biggest changes? This helps students recognize character development and relate it to real-life growth.
Incorporate evidence from the text
Direct students to support their character map entries with specific quotes or passages from The Night Diary. Model how to find and cite evidence that illustrates a character’s traits or challenges. This strengthens reading comprehension and textual analysis skills.
Connect character challenges to historical context
Facilitate a discussion on how the characters’ struggles are influenced by the historical events in the story. Encourage students to research or brainstorm how Partition impacted daily life. Making these connections deepens understanding of both the characters and the historical setting.
Display and celebrate student work
Create a bulletin board or digital gallery of finished character maps. Highlight thoughtful insights and creative details. Publicly celebrating student work boosts motivation and allows everyone to learn from each other’s perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Night Diary Character Map
What is a character map for The Night Diary?
A character map for The Night Diary is a visual tool that helps students organize and analyze the traits, challenges, and development of the main and minor characters in the book.
How do I create a character map for The Night Diary in my classroom?
To create a character map, ask students to select a character, use images and text to highlight their physical and personality traits, describe how the character changes, and note the challenges they face throughout The Night Diary.
Why should students use character maps when reading The Night Diary?
Character maps help students better understand character motivations, track development, and connect challenges to the plot, making The Night Diary more engaging and easier to analyze.
What are some example traits to include in a character map for The Night Diary?
Example traits include kindness, bravery, curiosity, and any changes in attitude or perspective that characters experience as the story unfolds.
What is the best way to assess student character maps for The Night Diary?
The best way is to check for clear identification of traits, evidence of character change, accurate details about challenges, and thoughtful connections to the story's plot and themes.
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