Materials
Gather these before class.
- Large paper (11x17 or chart paper)
- Colored markers/pencils
- Excerpts from the book with key Charlotte moments
- Character web template (optional)
Ready-to-use classroom activity
Character Analysis Web
Students create a visual web connecting traits, motivations, and actions for a character or historical figure.
Grade range
4th Grade – 12th Grade
Works across
EnglishHistoryForeign Language
Activity style
VisualIndividualAnalytical
Classroom walkthrough
See it in practice
One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.
Example lesson context
Charlotte from 'Charlotte's Web' (English - 4th Grade)
Preparation
What to have ready before students begin.
Select 3-4 key passages from the book that reveal Charlotte's character. Create a sample character web to model for students.
Run the activity
A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.
1
Review the concept of character traits, explaining the difference between physical traits and personality traits.
2
In the center of their paper, students draw a circle with Charlotte's name and a simple spider illustration.
3
From this center, draw 4 main branches labeled: 'Personality Traits', 'Actions', 'Relationships', and 'Motivations'.
4
For each branch, students add specific examples from the text:
Personality Traits: clever, loyal, wise, creative
Actions: spins words in web, defends Wilbur, creates a plan
Relationships: Wilbur (friend), Templeton (colleague), farm animals (community)
Motivations: friendship, compassion, legacy
5
For each example, add a text reference (page number or quote)
6
Use colors and illustrations to enhance the web and show connections
7
In a final reflection, write a paragraph about Charlotte's most important trait and how it influenced the story's outcome
Differentiate
Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.
For struggling readers, provide a partially completed web. For advanced students, add a branch comparing Charlotte to another character or analyzing how she changes through the story.
Look for learning
Use these signals to assess understanding.
Evaluate webs for textual evidence, depth of analysis, and connections between traits and actions. Check for misconceptions about character motivations.