The One And Only Ivan Characters

By MARISSA DESPINS Updated April 18, 2024

Teaching Characterization Using The One And Only Ivan

When exploring novel studies in your classroom, teaching students how to understand characters is just as important as teaching them how to follow the plot. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate offers a unique opportunity to explore characterization, a key literary skill that involves analyzing how authors reveal characters’ personalities, motivations, and changes over time. Here’s how you can leverage the rich characters of this beloved book to teach deeper reading comprehension and analysis skills.

Looking for a COMPLETE novel study to go along with this heart warming story? Click on the image or button below to see all of The One and Only Ivan resources available in my TPT shop!

Interested in reading more about The One and Only Ivan? Check out our posts featuring engaging activities and fun freebies!

What is Characterization?

Characterization is the process by which an author reveals a character’s personality. This is done in two key ways: either through direct description, through the character’s actions, thoughts, and speech, or other characters’ observations and reactions. In novel studies, examining characterization helps students understand not just who the characters are, but why they do what they do. This helps to deepen reading enjoyment and comprehension.

Learn more about characterization by checking out our character traits guide and our character analysis activities for middle school!

Why Should I Teach Character Analysis?

Character analysis isn’t just about understanding a story better. It’s about developing empathy, critical thinking, and interpretive skills. Students learn to consider perspectives different from their own, predict behavior, and glean deeper meanings from text—all essential skills for academic success and personal growth.

Who are the Characters in The One and Only Ivan?

• Ivan: A thoughtful and artistic gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. Ivan rarely misses his life in the jungle; instead, he is resigned to his life in captivity. However, this all changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild. Character traits displayed by Ivan in this heart warming story include creativity, kindness, and a deep sense of justice.
• Ruby: The innocent and curious baby elephant whose arrival sparks a change in Ivan. Ruby’s character brings out Ivan’s protective side. Because of this, she serves as a catalyst for the plot’s evolution.
• Stella: An older elephant who shares a habitat with Ivan. Stella is wise, caring, and acts as a maternal figure to both Ivan and Ruby. Her character embodies resilience and compassion.
• Bob: A stray dog who lives in the mall with Ivan. Bob is witty, loyal, and often provides comic relief. His friendship with Ivan highlights themes of loyalty and friendship.
• Mack: The owner of the mall where Ivan and his friends live. Mack’s character evolves from a business-minded caretaker to someone who must face the consequences of keeping wild animals in captivity.

Ideas for Teaching Character Analysis using The One and Only Ivan

Below are some creative and fun ways to explore character analysis using The One and Only Ivan characters.

1 – Character Maps

Encourage students to create visual maps that detail Ivan’s relationships with other characters. Have students include key traits and pivotal moments that define those relationships.

2 – Role Playing

Have students act out scenes from the book to explore character motivations and reactions, fostering a deeper understanding of the narrative and character dynamics.

Role-playing as a method for exploring character allows students to step into the shoes of different characters, providing them with a deeper understanding of motivations, emotions, and decisions. This approach not only enhances empathy and critical thinking but also encourages active engagement with the text. Through role-playing, students can vividly see the story from various perspectives, enriching their comprehension and appreciation of the narrative.

3 – Comparative Essays

This is an excellent opportunity to practice essay writing skills. Encourage students to compare Ivan to other characters within or outside the text, focusing on how different events shape their personalities and decisions.

4 – Journal Entries

Have students write journal entries from the perspective of Ivan or other characters, exploring internal conflicts and emotions.

Grab an engaging journal writing freebie to go along with the novel by clicking on the image or button below. These activities are great ways to explore The One and Only Ivan Characters!

5 – Task Cards

Have students use character analysis task cards to examine The One and Only Ivan characters. Using task cards to teach character analysis is highly beneficial as it breaks down the process of understanding characters into manageable, focused activities.

Also, task cards can cater to a variety of learning styles, allowing students to engage with the material through different modes such as writing, discussion, or creative projects. This method encourages independent thinking and gives students the opportunity to explore character traits, motivations, and development at their own pace, promoting deeper and more personalized learning.

Grab a complete set of character analysis task cards to use with The One and Only Ivan characters by clicking on the image or button below!

Final thoughts on Character Analysis

Using “The One and Only Ivan” for character analysis not only enhances students’ reading skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of empathy and ethical decision-making. Through the activities suggested, students can engage critically with the text, develop a greater understanding of characterization, and apply these insights to their own lives.

Looking for some Free Character Analysis Activities?

Interested in a detailed list of character traits that you can use with your learners? Download this FREE Character Trait resource by clicking on the image or button below. This resource contains a complete list of character traits along with a fun character trait wheel activity.

Interested in more posts like this?

Check out these related posts below!

Character Analysis Activities for Middle School

Teaching Characterization with Bridge to Terabithia

Hatchet Novel Study Activities: Character Analysis

Interested in signing up for my email list?

If you are interested in signing up for my email list, you can do so by clicking on the link below. I periodically send out emails with free resources, teaching tips, and exclusive deals. Signing up will also give you immediate access to some of my best selling Interactive Notebook resources – foldable activities, graphic organizers, and other fun activities.