Comparing Characters Across Stories
Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories; identify similarities and differences between two texts on the same topic
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“Comparing means noticing what is the same and what is different. We will look at two characters’ experiences and record one similarity and one difference.”
Bring to the table
- Two short familiar stories about characters facing a similar challenge
- Paper and crayons for a same/different chart
Full guide and materials
- Two short familiar stories about characters facing a similar challenge
- Paper and crayons for a same/different chart
- Step 1. Introduce the two characters and ask what each character is trying to do.
- Step 2. Ask what the two stories have in common and record one similarity in the same column.
- Step 3. Ask what one character did that the other did not and record one difference in the different column.
- Step 4. Have the child explain one similarity and one difference aloud while pointing to the chart.
- Quick check. Success means the child makes a same/different chart for two familiar stories and tells the parent one accurate similarity and one accurate difference between the characters’ experiences.
Worked example. Both characters search for something they need. One character searches calmly while the other searches sadly; that is a difference in their experiences.
Optional challenge. Compare how each character responds to the same type of challenge and justify which action helped more using details from both stories.
What to notice. Save the two-column same/different drawing or chart and a parent note quoting the child’s oral similarity and difference.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Comparing means noticing what is the same and what is different. We will look at two characters’ experiences and record one similarity and one difference.
Spend 10–15 minutes reading or recalling two related stories and making a two-column same/different chart about the characters.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Identify what two stories have in common (e.g. 'Both have a bear character')
- Compare information from two books about the same topic
- Discuss how characters' experiences are similar or different across stories
“If your child has read two stories with similar themes — like two tales about a brave hero — can they tell you what was the same and what was different between them?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Meta
- Subject
- English
- Domain
- Reading Comprehension
- Age range
- Ages 5–9
Standards