Character Change in Literature

Character Change in Literature

Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to how the main character changes throughout the story.

The New Kid

Leo arrived at Northwood Middle School with his shoulders hunched and his eyes glued to the scuffed toes of his sneakers. Moving to a new town in the middle of sixth grade was, in his opinion, the worst thing that could ever happen to a person. He clutched his schedule tightly, convinced everyone was staring at the new kid, the awkward kid, the kid who probably wouldn't make any friends. During lunch, he sat alone at a table in the corner, picking at his sandwich and wishing he could disappear.

A few days later, during art class, the teacher announced a group project: designing a mural for the school library. Leo instantly felt a pang of dread. He hated group work. He preferred to be invisible. But when he was assigned to a group with Maya, a girl with bright pink streaks in her hair, and Sam, who always seemed to be laughing, something shifted. Maya immediately started sketching ideas, and Sam, noticing Leo's quietness, asked, 'What do you think, Leo? Got any cool ideas for a space theme?'

Hesitantly, Leo shared a few thoughts about swirling galaxies and distant planets. To his surprise, Maya and Sam listened intently, even building on his ideas. Over the next week, as they worked on the mural, Leo found himself talking more, laughing more. He discovered he loved painting the tiny, intricate stars. By the time the mural was finished, Leo was no longer the boy with hunched shoulders. He walked through the school hallways with his head held a little higher, a small smile playing on his lips, and a group of friends by his side.

1. Describe Leo's character at the beginning of the story. Use specific details from the passage.

2. What event or interaction caused a significant change in Leo's character?

3. How had Leo changed by the end of the story? Provide evidence from the text.

1. At the beginning, Leo felt   and wished he could  .

2. Maya and Sam helped Leo feel more   by   to his ideas.

3. By the end, Leo was no longer the boy with hunched shoulders; he walked with his head   and had made  .

1. Which word best describes Leo's initial feeling about moving to a new school?

2. What was Leo's favorite part of the mural project?

1. Leo was excited to work on the group mural project at first.

2. Leo became more outgoing and confident by the end of the story.

Think about a time you experienced a significant change in your feelings or behavior due to a new experience or interaction with others. Describe the situation, how you felt initially, what caused the change, and how you felt afterward.