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!
The Prince and the Pauper Characters
- Tom Canty
- Edward VI
- John Canty
- Tom’s mother
- Uncle Hertford, the Lord Protector
- King Henry VIII
- The Hermit
- Miles Hendon
- Hugh Hendon
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 Prince and the Pauper 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 Character Traits, How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character, and What is the Narrator's Attitude Towards This Character.
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
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!
The Prince and the Pauper Characters
- Tom Canty
- Edward VI
- John Canty
- Tom’s mother
- Uncle Hertford, the Lord Protector
- King Henry VIII
- The Hermit
- Miles Hendon
- Hugh Hendon
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 Prince and the Pauper 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 Character Traits, How Does This Character Interact with the Main Character, and What is the Narrator's Attitude Towards This Character.
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 Prince and the Pauper Characters
Engage students with creative character interviews
Have students interview a character from The Prince and the Pauper as if they are reporters. This activity encourages deeper analysis and helps students empathize with the characters by thinking about their motivations and experiences.
Assign each student or group a character
Divide the class so each student or group focuses on a different character. This ensures variety in responses and lets everyone get involved. Assign characters based on interest or randomly for a mix of perspectives.
Develop thoughtful interview questions
Guide students to create 5–7 open-ended questions that explore the character’s thoughts, feelings, and choices. Encourage them to ask about key events and how the character feels about other people in the story.
Role-play the interview in pairs or in front of the class
Have students take turns being the interviewer and the character. They can perform for the class or in small groups. This step helps students practice empathy and public speaking skills.
Reflect on new insights gained
Ask students to write a quick reflection about what they learned from the interview. This helps them connect with the text and deepen comprehension of character traits and motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Prince and the Pauper Characters
What is a character map for The Prince and the Pauper?
A character map for The Prince and the Pauper is a visual tool that helps students organize and track key details about the main characters, including their traits, relationships, and roles in the story.
How can I help students create a character map for The Prince and the Pauper?
Guide students to list the major characters, choose images or symbols to represent each one, and fill in sections for character traits, interactions with the main character, and the narrator’s attitude. Encourage creativity in selecting colors and backgrounds that match each character’s personality.
Why is character mapping useful when reading The Prince and the Pauper?
Character mapping helps students recall important details, understand character relationships, and notice small traits that become significant as the plot develops, making the reading experience richer and more engaging.
What are the main characters in The Prince and the Pauper to include in a character map?
The main characters to include are Tom Canty, Edward VI, John Canty, Tom’s mother, Uncle Hertford, King Henry VIII, The Hermit, Miles Hendon, and Hugh Hendon.
What should students include when filling out a character map for a novel?
Students should fill in information such as character traits, how each character interacts with the main character, and what the narrator's attitude is toward them, using concise notes and visual cues where possible.
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