The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
The Open Mind:
A Character Analysis Assignment
Concept: Character Analysis
Task: Choose one of the following characters: Arnold, Rowdy, or Penelope. Fill the Open Mind with information, visuals, symbols,
color, and passages to thoroughly communicate your character’s complexity.
Skills Assessed:
 Strong textual evidence and analysis
 Close reading and strong understanding of the text
 Strong understanding of the internal and external forces working for against the character
The Visual Component
 Character’s name is incorporated effectively into the design
 2-3 important, character defining lines or quotes from the novel; carefully chosen, quoted accurately
 7-10 symbols, images, or key words are included in the design
 “Image” selection indicates imaginative and complex thinking that “digs below the surface” of the character, not simply restating
plot elements
 “Image” selection communicates both internal and external forces working for or against your character
 Effective use of background and image/symbol colors to communicate meaning
 Symbols are effectively arranged to form a cohesive and aesthetic visual artwork
 More than one dimension of your character is represented. Evidence of your character’s change, realizations, defining
moments, etc. is present.
Additional Notes and Tips:
Planning Page #1: Passages that reveal your character, your characters’ growth, your characters’ defining moments, etc.
Passage with page number AND
speaker.
Good choice because it shows…
Does this passage or quote connect to an internal
or an external force working for or against your
character? Or both? Explain in detail.
**If you would like to add more passages, duplicate a similar chart on your own notebook paper and staple to this packet.
PLANNING PAGE #2: Brainstorming symbols, images, and keywords to illustrate your character’s struggles, growth, realizations,
defining moments, internal strengths or weaknesses, positive external factors, negative external factors, etc.
Symbol/ Image/Keyword:
Have a variety
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
What does this word, image, or symbol represent? Why is it significant?
External or Internal? Explain. How
does this affect his/her self-concept?
Open Mind Rubric
Outstanding (A)
Secure
(B)
Proficient (C)
Needs Reteaching and
Reworking (D/F)
Planning sheet shows a thorough investigation
of strong passages to represent your
character. Analysis of each passage shows
strong insight and understanding. Quotes
chosen are the best at illustrating the depth
and complexity of your character and the
internal and external forces that impact his/her
self-concept and identity. The passages
chosen for the visual add impact to the project
and help convey the essence of your
character.
Strong passages and quotations have
been selected, however, the explanation
and insight as to what the passage
reveals may be somewhat weak. There is
evidence of a close reading of the entire
book, but there may be some weak
explanations regarding the complexity of
your character.
Explanations are way too
vague; passage choices
are not the best to
represent the essence of
your character; not enough
evidence of a thorough
reading of the entire book.
7-10 symbols/images/ and/or keywords are
included on design and planning sheet show
imaginative and complex thinking that “digs
below the surface” of the character rather than
just merely recapping the plot. Project shows
“out of the box” thinking when it comes to
symbol selections to reveal character.
7-10 symbols/images/and/or keywords are
included in the design and planning sheet.
Ideas could dig a little more beyond the
surface of the text. Some ideas relate
more to plot than character. Explanations
could show more insight.
Minimum criteria were not
met. There is no evidence
of a close reading of the
book based on the images
provided and the
explanations given on the
planning sheet.
Passages (10x2)
Skills:
I can provide the best
textual evidence for a
character analysis.
I can provide a strong
analysis of the textual
evidence.
Symbols, Images,
Key Words (10x2)
Skills:



I can read closely and
inferentially.
I can make thematic
connections when
examining character.
I can see how internal
and external factors
affect a person’s
identity.
Aesthetics (10x1)
Skills:
 I can put effort into
creating quality work.
 I can produce a visually
pleasing product.
Internal/External Forces
Defining Moments

Internal/External Forces

Defining Moments

Character Change
Character Change
Character’s name is incorporated effectively
into the design. Images, quotes, and
keywords are effectively arranged to form a
cohesive and aesthetic piece of artwork.
Effective use of background and symbol color
is used to communicate meaning and
understanding of your character.
Character’s name is incorporated into the
design. It is evident that some planning
went into arrangement of visuals and text.
Visuals could” work together” more to
create a more appealing final product.
However, basic criteria are met.
Project looks hurried and
disheveled. It lacks color
and effective placement of
images and text. Some
items may be missing.
Assignment does not
compete with the level of
completion and foresight
that many of your peers
have demonstrated.