Restart

Consider the round characters in Korman’s novel. How do they grow and develop as a result of Chase’s accident? What prejudices must each person overcome to accept the changes in Chase? Consider these points as you reflect on the text:

• How do Brendan and the video club members change as a result of Chase’s accident? Where do these changes occur in the novel?
• In what ways does Joel experience a transformation? What evidence supports this?
• Which members of Chase’s family are impacted by his accident? How does each one respond differently, and why?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to record the initial reactions of the characters in the novel to Chase’s amnesia to track the way the characters change as the story progresses. It may be helpful to create a list of characters with the class, which could be followed by a discussion of which characters change and are therefore “round,” and which characters lack depth and are therefore “flat.”

Differentiation Suggestion: English language learners and students with executive function differences may benefit from the use of a three-column chart to analyze changes in characters (Chase/family/friends). Permitting students to work in small groups to discuss character changes within these categories may encourage collaboration and critical thinking.