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 Tiger Rising, 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 Tiger Rising.
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?"
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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 Tiger Rising, 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 Tiger Rising.
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?"
- Save and exit when you're finished.
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 Tiger Rising Characters
Incorporate character maps into daily reading routines
Make character maps a regular part of your literacy block by setting aside 10 minutes after each reading session for students to update their maps. Frequent updates help students deepen their understanding of how characters grow and change throughout the novel.
Model creating a character map using a think-aloud
Demonstrate the process on the board while verbalizing your thought process as you select traits and evidence from the text. This helps students see how to connect character actions to specific attributes and encourages higher-level thinking.
Use color coding to highlight character growth
Assign different colors for physical traits, emotional traits, and character changes over time. This visual strategy makes it easier for students to track development and compare multiple characters throughout the story.
Facilitate peer sharing of character maps
Organize quick pair-and-share sessions where students explain their character maps to a classmate. Discussing character insights with peers strengthens comprehension and exposes students to new perspectives.
Connect character challenges to real-life situations
Prompt students to identify challenges faced by characters and relate them to experiences in their own lives or current events. Making personal connections increases engagement and empathy while reading.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tiger Rising Characters
What is a character map and how can it help students understand The Tiger Rising?
A character map is a visual organizer that helps students track details about a story's characters, such as traits, challenges, and development. In The Tiger Rising, using a character map allows students to analyze major and minor characters, deepening comprehension and connecting plot events to character growth.
How do you create a character map for The Tiger Rising?
To create a character map for The Tiger Rising, choose a character, note their physical and personality traits, describe changes they undergo, and list the challenges they face. Use a tool like Storyboard That to visually organize this information for each main character.
What are some key traits of the main characters in The Tiger Rising?
Main characters in The Tiger Rising have distinct traits: Rob is quiet and thoughtful, struggling with grief; Sistine is outspoken and emotional, facing family challenges. Mapping these helps students understand character motivations and story themes.
Why is it important for students to identify character challenges in The Tiger Rising?
Identifying character challenges helps students see how characters grow and respond to adversity. In The Tiger Rising, this deepens empathy and supports critical thinking about character choices and story outcomes.
What are some easy tools for making character maps in middle school ELA classes?
Popular tools for making character maps include Storyboard That, graphic organizers, and Google Slides. These resources let students visually track character traits, changes, and relationships in The Tiger Rising or any novel.
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