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!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Janie Mae Crawford
- Physical Traits: Fair-skinned; long dark hair; beautiful; graceful
- Character Traits: Quiet; determined; restless; gentle; avoids confrontation; wishes to find true love; has a quiet inner strength
- Quote
“The familiar people and things had failed her so she hung over the gate and looked up the road towards way off. She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman.”
Other characters included in this map are: Logan Killicks, Joe (Jody) Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner.
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 Their Eyes Were Watching God and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" tab 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 Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
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
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!
Use a character map to help track the different characters that are discussed in Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Janie Mae Crawford
- Physical Traits: Fair-skinned; long dark hair; beautiful; graceful
- Character Traits: Quiet; determined; restless; gentle; avoids confrontation; wishes to find true love; has a quiet inner strength
- Quote
“The familiar people and things had failed her so she hung over the gate and looked up the road towards way off. She knew now that marriage did not make love. Janie’s first dream was dead, so she became a woman.”
Other characters included in this map are: Logan Killicks, Joe (Jody) Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner.
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 Their Eyes Were Watching God and type their names into the different title boxes.
- Choose a character from the "1900s" tab 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 Physical Traits, Character Traits, and a Quote.
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 Their Eyes Were Watching God Characters
Plan a collaborative character map activity for your class
Encourage students to work together by assigning small groups to map different characters from Their Eyes Were Watching God. Collaboration fosters deeper discussion, allows for sharing perspectives, and helps students notice details they might have missed alone.
Assign character roles to group members
Designate specific roles—such as recorder, illustrator, and presenter—to each student within the group. This ensures active participation and accountability, giving every student a chance to contribute meaningfully to the character map.
Provide clear character map templates
Distribute easy-to-follow templates with sections for physical traits, character traits, and key quotes. Ready-made templates help students stay organized and focused on gathering relevant details from the text.
Guide students to use textual evidence
Remind students to support their character descriptions with direct quotes and specific examples from the novel. This practice builds close reading skills and reinforces the importance of evidence in literary analysis.
Facilitate group presentations and class discussion
Invite each group to share their character maps and explain their choices. Encourage classmates to ask questions or offer additional insights, making the activity interactive and reinforcing learning through peer discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Their Eyes Were Watching God Characters
What is a character map for Their Eyes Were Watching God?
A character map for Their Eyes Were Watching God is a visual organizer that helps students track key characters, physical traits, character traits, and memorable quotes as they read the novel, making it easier to follow the story and analyze character development.
How do I create a character map for Their Eyes Were Watching God?
To create a character map, list major characters like Janie, Logan Killicks, Joe Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner. Add their physical traits, personality traits, and a notable quote for each. Use colors, poses, and backgrounds that fit each character to make the map engaging.
Why is character mapping useful for students reading Their Eyes Were Watching God?
Character mapping helps students remember important details, follow character relationships, and recognize subtle changes throughout the novel, deepening their comprehension and engagement with the text.
What details should be included in a character map for this novel?
Include each character's name, physical description, personality traits, and at least one quote that reveals their thoughts or role in the story. Adding context or scene backgrounds can also enhance understanding.
Who are the main characters to include in a Their Eyes Were Watching God character map?
Main characters to feature are Janie Mae Crawford, Logan Killicks, Joe (Jody) Starks, Tea Cake, Phoeby Wilson, and Mrs. Turner.
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