Character Trajectory Warm Up

Think back to Eliezer and his father at the very beginning of "Night" (Section 1).

1. Eliezer: Describe Eliezer as he is introduced in Section 1. What are his key characteristics, beliefs, or interests?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Eliezer's Father: Describe Eliezer's father as he is introduced in Section 1. What kind of person is he, and what is his role in the family/community?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Who Are They Now? Script

Warm-Up: Initial Thoughts (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Let's start by thinking back to the very beginning of 'Night.' Please take out your Character Trajectory Warm Up and spend the next few minutes describing Eliezer and his father as they appear in Section 1. What were their initial characteristics, beliefs, or roles in their community?"

[Allow students time to write. Circulate and observe.]

"Now, let's share a few thoughts. Who would like to tell us about Eliezer at the start? And what about his father? What kind of man was he in Sighet?"

Introduction to Character Trajectories (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent! Today, we're going to explore how those initial descriptions change dramatically as we move through the first four sections of 'Night.' We're going to talk about something called Character Trajectories."
[Advance to 'What's a Character Trajectory?' slide on Who Are They Now? Slide Deck]

"A character trajectory is essentially the path of how a character changes over time in a story. It's not just a list of events, but how those events shape them. Think of it like a journey. We look at who they were at the start, the major experiences that impact them, and how their thoughts, identity, relationships, or beliefs shift because of those experiences. By the end, we consider what they might have learned, or tragically, what they might have lost."
[Advance to 'Why Does it Matter?' slide]

"Why is this important? Because understanding a character's trajectory helps us truly grasp the deeper meaning of a story. It helps us see the human impact of events, and in a book like 'Night,' it's crucial for understanding the profound effects of the Holocaust on individuals."

Guided Analysis: Eliezer's Trajectory (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Let's start by focusing on Eliezer. Take out your Character Trajectory Worksheet. We'll work through Eliezer's side together first."
[Advance to 'Eliezer: The Beginning' slide]

"As we just discussed in the warm-up, what were Eliezer's beliefs, values, and his relationship with his father like in Section 1? How would you describe his faith? Jot those initial thoughts down in the 'Beginning' box for Eliezer on your worksheet."

[Allow brief writing time.]

"Now, let's look at some key events from Sections 1 through 4 that have profoundly impacted Eliezer."
[Advance to 'Eliezer: Key Events (Sections 1-4)' slide]

"We have: being forced into the ghetto, the unbearable train journey to Auschwitz, the terrifying selection where he was separated from his mother and sister, and witnessing the horrific hanging of the Pipel, which made him question God. Think about these moments."

"On your worksheet, in the 'Key Events' section for Eliezer, list these events. Now, here's the critical part: let's discuss how these events have changed him. Look at the 'Transformation/Shift' box. How have his beliefs or values shifted? What about his faith? How has his identity been affected? What has he learned or lost?"
[Advance to 'Eliezer: How Has He Changed?' slide]

"For example, his faith. In the beginning, he was deeply devout. After witnessing the hanging, he states, 'Where He is? This is where—hanging here from this gallows...' How does this show a shift? Discuss with a partner for a moment, then we'll share."

[Facilitate brief partner discussion and then whole-class sharing, guiding students to articulate specific changes based on events.]

Collaborative Activity: Father's Trajectory (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Now, it's your turn to apply this to Eliezer's father. In your small groups, you will work on the second half of your Character Trajectory Worksheet, focusing on his trajectory."
[Advance to 'Now, Your Turn: Father's Trajectory' slide]

"Just like we did for Eliezer, discuss: What was Eliezer's father like at the very beginning of the book? Which key events from Sections 1-4 do you think impacted him the most? And critically, how did he change because of these events? You can use your copies of 'Night' to reference specific moments. Work together to fill out the 'Beginning,' 'Key Events,' and 'Transformation/Shift' sections for Eliezer's Father. You have 10 minutes."

[Circulate among groups, offering guidance, asking probing questions, and ensuring students are engaging with the text and the concept.]

"Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Can one group share a key change they identified in Eliezer's father?"

[Facilitate a brief share-out from a few groups.]

Wrap-Up: Reflecting on Change (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent work today! As a final thought, how do Eliezer's and his father's trajectories compare? Are there similarities in how they changed? Are there differences?"
[Advance to 'Reflect and Discuss' slide]

"What do these individual transformations reveal about the human spirit and the devastating impact of such extreme adversity? Why is it important for us as readers to track these changes?"

[Allow for a brief discussion.]

"Please hand in your Character Trajectory Worksheet as you leave. Great job analyzing character development today!"

Character Trajectory Analysis: Eliezer & Father (Sections 1-4)

Directions: As you analyze the characters of Eliezer and his father, use this worksheet to track their development through the first four sections of Elie Wiesel's "Night."

Eliezer Wiesel

1. Beginning (Section 1)

• Describe Eliezer at the start of the narrative. What are his beliefs, values, and how would you describe his relationship with his father and his faith?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Key Events (Sections 1-4)

• List 3-4 significant events from Sections 1-4 that profoundly impacted Eliezer. Briefly explain what happened in each event.
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  4. 
     
     
     

3. Transformation/Shift (By End of Section 4)

• How has Eliezer changed as a result of these events? Describe shifts in his beliefs, values, identity, relationships (especially with his father), or faith. Provide specific evidence or examples from the text to support your points.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Eliezer's Father

1. Beginning (Section 1)

• Describe Eliezer's father at the start of the narrative. What kind of person is he? What is his role in the family and community?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

2. Key Events (Sections 1-4)

• List 3-4 significant events from Sections 1-4 that profoundly impacted Eliezer's father. Briefly explain what happened in each event.
  1. 
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     
     

3. Transformation/Shift (By End of Section 4)

• How has Eliezer's father changed as a result of these events? Describe shifts in his demeanor, resilience, relationship with Eliezer, or his role. Provide specific evidence or examples from the text.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Mapping the Father's Trajectory

Directions: In your assigned groups, you will collaboratively analyze the character trajectory of Eliezer's father through the first four sections of "Night."

Use your copies of "Night" (Sections 1-4) and the Character Trajectory Worksheet to guide your discussion and record your findings.

Group Tasks:

1. Review the Beginning: As a group, discuss Eliezer's father's initial characteristics, his role in the family, and his standing in the community in Section 1.
2. Identify Key Events: Go back through Sections 1-4 and identify at least three to four significant events that directly impacted Eliezer's father. These could be moments of decision, hardship, or interaction with Eliezer or other prisoners. Briefly describe each event.
3. Analyze Transformation/Shift: Discuss how these events have changed Eliezer's father. Consider:
   • How has his personality or demeanor shifted?
   • Has his relationship with Eliezer evolved?
   • What challenges has he faced, and how has he responded?
   • What might he have gained or lost by the end of Section 4?
4. Complete the Worksheet: Ensure that all group members have thoroughly filled out the sections for "Eliezer's Father" on their Character Trajectory Worksheet based on your group discussion.

Discussion Prompts for your Group:

• Was Eliezer's father more or less resilient than you expected?
• How did his actions influence Eliezer during these early sections?
• What specific lines or moments from the text reveal a change in him?

Who Are They Now? Script

Warm-Up: Initial Thoughts (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Good morning, everyone! Let's start by thinking back to the very beginning of 'Night.' Please take out your Character Trajectory Warm Up and spend the next few minutes describing Eliezer and his father as they appear in Section 1. What were their initial characteristics, beliefs, or roles in their community?"

[Allow students time to write. Circulate and observe.]

"Now, let's share a few thoughts. Who would like to tell us about Eliezer at the start? And what about his father? What kind of man was he in Sighet?"

Introduction to Character Trajectories (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent! Today, we're going to explore how those initial descriptions change dramatically as we move through the first four sections of 'Night.' We're going to talk about something called Character Trajectories."
[Advance to 'What's a Character Trajectory?' slide on Who Are They Now? Slide Deck]

"A character trajectory is essentially the path of how a character changes over time in a story. It's not just a list of events, but how those events shape them. Think of it like a journey. We look at who they were at the start, the major experiences that impact them, and how their thoughts, identity, relationships, or beliefs shift because of those experiences. By the end, we consider what they might have learned, or tragically, what they might have lost."
[Advance to 'Why Does it Matter?' slide]

"Why is this important? Because understanding a character's trajectory helps us truly grasp the deeper meaning of a story. It helps us see the human impact of events, and in a book like 'Night,' it's crucial for understanding the profound effects of the Holocaust on individuals."

Guided Analysis: Eliezer's Trajectory (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Let's start by focusing on Eliezer. Take out your Character Trajectory Worksheet. We'll work through Eliezer's side together first."
[Advance to 'Eliezer: The Beginning' slide]

"As we just discussed in the warm-up, what were Eliezer's beliefs, values, and his relationship with his father like in Section 1? How would you describe his faith? Jot those initial thoughts down in the 'Beginning' box for Eliezer on your worksheet."

[Allow brief writing time.]

"Now, let's look at some key events from Sections 1 through 4 that have profoundly impacted Eliezer."
[Advance to 'Eliezer: Key Events (Sections 1-4)' slide]

"We have: being forced into the ghetto, the unbearable train journey to Auschwitz, the terrifying selection where he was separated from his mother and sister, and witnessing the horrific hanging of the Pipel, which made him question God. Think about these moments."

"On your worksheet, in the 'Key Events' section for Eliezer, list these events. Now, here's the critical part: let's discuss how these events have changed him. Look at the 'Transformation/Shift' box. How have his beliefs or values shifted? What about his faith? How has his identity been affected? What has he learned or lost?"
[Advance to 'Eliezer: How Has He Changed?' slide]

"For example, his faith. In the beginning, he was deeply devout. After witnessing the hanging, he states, 'Where He is? This is where—hanging here from this gallows...' How does this show a shift? Discuss with a partner for a moment, then we'll share."

[Facilitate brief partner discussion and then whole-class sharing, guiding students to articulate specific changes based on events.]

Collaborative Activity: Father's Trajectory (10 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Now, it's your turn to apply this to Eliezer's father. In your small groups, you will work on the second half of your Character Trajectory Worksheet, focusing on his trajectory."
[Advance to 'Now, Your Turn: Father's Trajectory' slide]

"Just like we did for Eliezer, discuss: What was Eliezer's father like at the very beginning of the book? Which key events from Sections 1-4 do you think impacted him the most? And critically, how did he change because of these events? You can use your copies of 'Night' to reference specific moments. Work together to fill out the 'Beginning,' 'Key Events,' and 'Transformation/Shift' sections for Eliezer's Father. You have 10 minutes."

[Circulate among groups, offering guidance, asking probing questions, and ensuring students are engaging with the text and the concept.]

"Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Can one group share a key change they identified in Eliezer's father?"

[Facilitate a brief share-out from a few groups.]

Wrap-Up: Reflecting on Change (5 minutes)

(Teacher says): "Excellent work today! As a final thought, how do Eliezer's and his father's trajectories compare? Are there similarities in how they changed? Are there differences?"
[Advance to 'Reflect and Discuss' slide]

"What do these individual transformations reveal about the human spirit and the devastating impact of such extreme adversity? Why is it important for us as readers to track these changes?"

[Allow for a brief discussion.]

"Please hand in your Character Trajectory Worksheet as you leave. Great job analyzing character development today!"