Concept I: Readers build theories about characters and use text to support their ideas

• Readers step inside and outside of the story to build theories about characters
  
• Readers pay attention to the actions and choices of characters to reveal what they are like
  
• Readers pay attention to the way other characters treat the main character to learn more
  
• Readers notice when characters act in surprising ways and think about what this reveals about them
  
• Readers use precise, exact words to describe characters action
  
• Readers think about what they learn from the objects a character holds close
  
• Readers search for patterns in their notes to nudge thinking about characters
  

Concept II Readers move from inference to interpretation

• Readers continue to read with their theories in mind and revise or confirm thinking
  
• Readers pay attention to character’s struggles/challenges and see them as turning points
  
• Readers use prompts to develop complex ideas about characters
  
• Readers pay attention to recurring themes and details in stories to grow deeper theories
  

Concept III Readers compare characters within and across texts

• Readers compare how characters and their situations are alike
  
• Readers compare how characters face their challenges and overcome them
  
• Readers uncover characters in parallel roles and compare them to learn more
  
• Readers nudge themselves and others to make deeper comparisons between characters
  

Concept IV Readers take time to reflect on stories and on their own reading lives to grow

• Readers use recurring themes to lead them to lasting thoughts about a story
  
• Readers analyze their own reading and thinking to determine strengths and goals