Discovering Themes and Characters in Fiction

Introduction

Introduction 

Guiding Questions: 

  1. What is the main theme of a story? 

  1. How do characters’ actions and choices develop the theme? 

  1. How can understanding the theme improve our reading comprehension? 

 

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this Web Quest, students will be able to: 

  • Identify the main theme of a fiction story. (Remembering/Understanding) 

  • Analyze how characters’ actions influence the plot and theme. (Analyzing) 

  • Create a visual or written presentation summarizing the theme and character development. (Evaluating/Creating) 

Standards Alignment (Florida State Standards – Reading/ELA): 

  • LAFS.5.RL.2.2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text. 

  • LAFS.5.RL.3.3: Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story. 

 

Task

Task 

Students will work in small groups to create a character and theme presentation (digital poster, PowerPoint, or Google Slides). Each group will: 

  1. Choose a short story provided by the teacher. 

  1. Identify the story’s theme and explain it in their own words. 

  1. Select 2–3 main characters and analyze how their actions reveal the theme. 

  1. Include supporting quotes from the text. 

  1. Present findings creatively using visuals, diagrams, or narration. 

Process

Step-by-Step Instructions: 

  1. Form Groups: Assign roles within your group: 

  2. Reader: Reads the story carefully and highlights key passages. 

  3. Analyzer: Identifies the theme and links it to character actions. 

  4. Designer: Creates the slides or poster layout. 

  1. Presenter: Shares the final project with the class. 

  1. Read and Annotate: 

  1. Read the assigned short story (teacher-selected). 

  1. Highlight passages that reveal the main theme or important character actions. 

  1. Research Resources: 

  1. ReadWorks – Short Stories 

  1. Storyboard That – Plot and Character Templates 

  1. Scholastic Story Resources 

  1. Analyze and Organize Content: 

  1. Identify the main theme. 

  1. Choose 2–3 characters and note actions that reveal the theme. 

  1. Select quotes from the story as evidence. 

  1. Design and Present: 

  1. Use visuals, text boxes, or narration to explain the theme and character analysis. 

Evaluation

Evaluation 

Rubric: 

Criteria 

Excellent (4) 

Good (3) 

Fair (2) 

Needs Improvement (1) 

Theme Identification 

Theme clearly stated and supported with evidence 

Theme stated with some evidence 

Theme unclear or minimal evidence 

Theme missing or incorrect 

Character Analysis 

Characters analyzed in depth with clear examples 

Good analysis, minor details missing 

Limited analysis, few examples 

Analysis missing or incorrect 

Supporting Evidence 

Multiple strong quotes from the story 

2–3 quotes support theme 

1 quote, weak support 

No quotes included 

Visual/Presentation Design 

Creative, clear, enhances understanding 

Clear design, minor improvements needed 

Somewhat organized, minimal visuals 

Confusing or minimal visuals 

Collaboration 

All members contributed equally 

Most contributed 

Unequal contribution 

Minimal contribution 
Conclusion

Students will: 

  • Demonstrate understanding of the story’s theme and character development. 

  • Reflect on how analyzing characters can deepen comprehension of the text. 

Enrichment Activity: 

  • Write a short reflection on how the theme connects to your own life.