Old Archetypes in a New Story
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Old Archetypes in a New Story" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers Common Core RL.8.9. A 7th grader who is already steady on story elements can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
8th grade reading worksheet: compare the orphan hero and mentor of Arthur and Telemachus with a story set in a violin workshop. Answer key included. Part of our character analysis story elements collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Read the story aloud, then have students complete the chart before writing answers. Discuss which quotations give the strongest evidence.
What students will practice
- Students will read about the orphan hero and mentor types in stories of Arthur and the Odyssey.
- Students will chart where each old pattern appears in a modern story about a violin workshop.
- Students will explain what the story keeps and what it makes new about the mentor.
Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices
The War of the Worlds Before Reading, Watched From Mars
The War of the Worlds Before Reading, The Falling Star
The War of the Worlds Discussion, The Cylinder Opens
The War of the Worlds Discussion, The White Flag
The War of the Worlds Discussion, Toward London
War of the Worlds Discussion, The Artilleryman's Plan
The War of the Worlds Response, Home Again
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Reading: Literature · 8th Grade
Standard: Analyze how a modern work of fiction draws on themes, patterns of events, or character types from myths, traditional stories, or religious works such as the Bible, including describing how the material is rendered new.
View all RL.8.9 worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this character analysis worksheet?
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Read the story aloud, then have students complete the chart before writing answers. Discuss which quotations give the strongest evidence.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Compare the orphan hero and mentor of Arthur and Telemachus with a story set in a violin workshop. The directions on the page read: Read about two old character types. Then read the story and complete page 2. An answer key is included.
Can I use this character analysis worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade story elements, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What does a character's dialogue reveal?
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Dialogue shows what a character thinks, fears and values. When Mateo says he kept picturing himself messing up, readers learn what made him freeze.
What is an orphan hero?
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An orphan hero grows up without a parent's guidance and must prove who he or she is. Arthur and Telemachus are the examples on the page.
How do you write a character analysis sentence?
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Name the character, state a trait or change and point to the evidence that shows it. Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices ends with this one-sentence analysis.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Reading |
| Topic | Story Elements |
| Standard | RL.8.9 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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Trace a Character Through Dialogue and Choices
The War of the Worlds Before Reading, Watched From Mars
The War of the Worlds Before Reading, The Falling Star
The War of the Worlds Discussion, The Cylinder Opens
The War of the Worlds Discussion, The White Flag
The War of the Worlds Discussion, Toward London
War of the Worlds Discussion, The Artilleryman's Plan
The War of the Worlds Response, Home Again