Character Analysis for Any Text

Character analysis is often a challenging concept for students. That’s why Teach Starter has created this set of character analysis task cards that can be used with any text.

Students can choose a book they enjoy and demonstrate their understanding using content they are comfortable with. Each card features a thought-provoking question that encourages students to analyze a character’s feelings, actions and development throughout the story. The resource includes twenty task cards and a recording sheet for student responses, making it easy to use in whole-class, small-group or independent activities.

Suitable for a range of ability levels, these cards help students build critical thinking skills and show their ability to analyze characters in a meaningful way.

Activity Ideas for Analysis of a Character

Here are some different ways to use these task cards in your lessons when getting your students to complete an analysis of a character:

• Class Sort Challenge – As a class, read through the questions. Sort them according to question type, e.g. questions about feelings, questions about actions, questions about changes, etc. Encourage students to justify their reasons for each grouping.
• Pair Activity – Read aloud a popular fiction book to the whole class. Assign pairs of students a card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers on the recording sheet. Pairs can then share their responses with the class.
• Exit Ticket – Use these cards as a formative assessment after your lesson. Pick a random assortment of cards and project them on the board for the whole class to see. Students can record their answers on paper, sticky notes or notebooks. 

Download to Analyze the Character Traits

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. Note that you would be required to make a copy of the Google Slides document to your personal drive.

Print the task cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Kiri Sowers, a teacher in Illinois and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Analysis of Characters

Click below to explore more resources to use when exploring analysis of characters with your primary students.

[resource:5169833] [resource:5089244] [resource:4836942]