Analyzing Character Development in Literature

Draft Performance Task: Analyzing Character Development in Literature

Teacher Guide

Standards and Skills

Common Core Standard: Analyze how characters in a story or drama interact with other characters and how those interactions contribute to the development of the characters.

Skills Taught:

• Analyzing character interactions

• Understanding character development through dialogue and action

• Critical thinking and literary analysis

Task Description

Students will read a selected short story and analyze how the characters interact and develop throughout the narrative. They will focus on dialogue, behavior, and the impact of the characters' relationships on their growth and change. This task will help students deepen their understanding of character dynamics in literature.

Task Delivery

Introduction (15 minutes)

• Begin with a discussion about the importance of character development in stories.

• Introduce the selected short story and read the first few paragraphs aloud to set the stage.

Reading and Note-taking (30 minutes)

• Students will read the short story independently.

• As they read, they will take notes on key interactions between characters and any significant changes they observe in the characters.

Group Analysis (30 minutes)

• In small groups, students will share their notes and discuss the character dynamics they observed.

• They will identify specific examples of how characters influence one another and evolve through their interactions.

Individual Reflection (20 minutes)

• Each student will write a reflective essay discussing a particular character, their development through interactions, and the impact of these interactions on the narrative.

• Encourage students to support their points with evidence from the story.

Materials Needed

• Copies of the selected short story for each student

• Notebooks or graphic organizers for note-taking

• Writing materials for the reflective essay

Student Directions

Performance Task: Analyzing Character Development

Objective: Examine how characters grow and change through their interactions in a short story.

Steps:

1. Read the Story

   • Read the selected short story carefully, focusing on the characters and their interactions.

2. Take Notes

   • Jot down key moments where characters interact.

   • Note how these moments impact the characters' development and the story overall.

3. Discuss in Groups

   • Join your group and share your observations.

   • Identify examples where characters show changes and discuss possible reasons for those changes.

4. Write a Reflective Essay

   • Write an essay about one character's development.

   • Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and explain how interactions shaped the character.

Assessment Guide

Criteria for Evaluation

• Comprehension of Character Development: Understanding how characters develop through interactions.

• Use of Textual Evidence: Effectively using examples from the text to support analysis.

• Depth of Analysis: Providing thoughtful insights into the character's growth and the reasons behind it.

Grading Rubric (4 Points)

• 4 Points: Thorough analysis with excellent use of textual evidence; insightfully addresses character development.

• 3 Points: Good analysis with adequate evidence; addresses character growth.

• 2 Points: Some analysis present but may lack sufficient evidence and depth.

• 1 Point: Minimal analysis; fails to effectively use text to support claims.

Exemplar Solution

In their reflective essay, a student identifies how Rachel, in the selected story, grows from a passive character to an assertive one due to her interactions with her friend and family. The student uses specific dialogues and actions to illustrate moments that trigger Rachel's transformation, culminating in a strong conclusion about the importance of support in personal growth.

Note: This document is a draft and should be reviewed for final adjustments before implementation.