Before Reading
Make Character Charts
Make a two-column chart. Label the left column Character's Words or Actions. Label the right column What It Reveals about the Character. Make four charts and label one for each of the following characters: Tom, Amanda, Laura, and Jim. Think about what you know about Tom, Laura, and Amanda so far. With your classmates, brainstorm important details about each character and add them to your chart. Prepare to focus on additional details about characters, on how characters change, and on the new character, Jim.
During Reading
Use Character Charts
1. Listen as your teacher reads Tom's opening monologue in scene 7. What are the key points you learn about Jim from what Tom says? Write things you think are important in your chart. Listen as your teacher reads the exchange between Amanda and Laura on page 722. What can you tell about Laura and Amanda from this section? Write down words or actions that tell you something about the character. Then explain what you learn from these words or actions.
2. Continue reading act 2 on your own. Keep adding details about the characters as you read.
Fix-Up Idea: Refocus
If you are having trouble working with the character charts, try refocusing your reading on one character. Choose the character that you think is most important or most interesting. Keep filling in your chart for that one character as you read.
After Reading
Share Your Ideas
Share your charts with a few of your classmates. Talk about the following questions: Which character did you like the best? Which character did you like the least? Why?