8th Grade Literature Independent Work Packet

Three fiction stories your students will love! All three have a twist at the ending they will never guess. The Necklace, Story of an Hour, & The Last Leaf

Included in this file are:

• Abridged versions of all three stories for beginning readers
• Unabridged versions to challenge strong readers
• 10 questions per passage
• Questions that rise in rigor and complexity

Check out these other resources!

• ELA Test Prep, Study Guide & Activities Bundle (new)
• All Things English For Middle & High School Students (best seller)
• Once Upon A Crime
• Revising & Editing Workbook
• Revising & Editing for Group Lessons
• Bell Ringers for the Semester
• Everything Writing

Character Analysis Mega Bundle – Anatomy of Characters: Protagonists, Antagonists & Minor Characters
20% Off Bundle Price | Student-Led, Independent Learning
Bonus: All workbooks combined into one booklet for easy distribution, storage, and display. You also receive a Character Trait 'word wall' - perfect for student notebooks and reference.

Equip your students with the tools to deeply analyze protagonists, antagonists, and minor characters! This Character Analysis Mega Bundle is perfect for busy teachers looking for no-prep, high-impact resources that foster independent, student-led learning. Adaptable for any short story or novel, this bundle offers structured resources to support literary analysis across major character types.

What’s Inside?

Anatomy of a Protagonist (6 pages):
2 Character Mapping Templates/Graphic OrganizersInformative handouts on protagonist types, narration styles (reliable/unreliable narrators), and direct/indirect characterization

STEAL Analysis (4 pages):
STEAL Anchor Poster (classroom display)

1 Character Template & Graphic Organizer

Framework for analyzing Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks

Character Arc (7 pages):
Outline, Analysis Template, and Table

Tools to explore key moments in character growth and transformation

Anatomy of an Antagonist (4 pages):
1 Character Template & 1 Analysis Table

Informative pages on antagonist roles and their impact on the story

Anatomy of a Minor Character (4 pages):
Record/List to identify significant minor characters

1 Minor Character Analysis Table

Tools to analyze how minor characters influence the narrative

Bonus Character Trait Wall Chart:
Print or digitally display to support vocabulary development and encourage analytical thinking

This Bundle Covers:

• The roles, traits, and transformations of protagonists, antagonists, and minor characters.
• How to use STEAL and character mapping tools to analyze direct and indirect characterization.
• Prompts and guides to connect characters to broader themes and narratives.

Who is This Bundle For?

Perfect for:

• Classroom teachers needing reusable, time-saving resources.
• Homeschooling parents wanting structured literary activities.
• Substitute or relief teachers needing impactful, ready-to-go materials.
• Tutors focusing on detailed character analysis.
• Upper Middle and High School students engaging in hands-on learning about literary elements.

Flexible Format:

• File Format: Delivered as a zip file with two PDFs: AU spelling and A4-sized PDF & USA spelling and letter-sized PDF
• Prints beautifully in color or grayscale (select grayscale before printing).
• Seamlessly integrates into platforms like Google Classroom, OneNote, or Canvas.
• Bonus: Includes a combined booklet of all workbooks for easy use and distribution.

Terms of Use:

• Licensed for single-classroom use only.
• Printing and distribution for students is allowed, but please do not share online or with colleagues.
• Additional licenses are available in the EduHive Learning Resources store.
• Graphics and design elements sourced under appropriate licensing from RawPixel and Canva.

Link to Individual Resources in This Series:

If you don’t need the entire bundle, check out the individual resources in the Character Analysis Series:

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist Roles, Traits, & Mapping Templates
2. Character Analysis (S.T.E.A.L): Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping
3. Character Arc Analysis: Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping
4. Anatomy of an Antagonist – Character Mapping Template & Analysis Table
5. Minor Characters – Character Role & Analysis Table

For the complete collection, explore the Character Analysis Mega Bundle and save 20%!

After Purchase – Feedback and Credits

Thank you for purchasing! Your feedback helps improve resources and tailor them to your classroom needs. Did you know you can earn TeachShare credits for future purchases?

1. Go to MY PURCHASES on TeachShare (log in if necessary).
2. Find this product and click PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
3. Give a quick rating and comment.

Each review earns credits, lowering the cost of future resources. I truly value your feedback—it helps me create even more helpful tools for your classroom!

Follow Along on My Journey!

I’m thrilled to be building EduHive Learning Resources into a “one-stop shop” for all things classroom. This store is just the beginning—more exciting resources are on the way! Follow my store to stay updated on new releases, exclusive discounts, and creative tools to enhance your teaching.

Warm regards,

Bee
EduHive Learning Resources

KEYWORDS:

character analysis | protagonist | antagonist | minor characters | STEAL framework | character arc | graphic organizer | graphic organiser | character traits | literary analysis | ELA | short stories | novels | high school | middle school | reusable templates | independent learning | Australian classrooms | American classrooms | analyze | analyse | narrator types | direct and indirect characterization | characterisation | Secondary English classrooms |

This resource features a digital set of 20 reader response journal prompts to complement your Edgar Allan Poe unit and support distance learning using Google Drive. Each prompt is comprised of a quote from the Master of Suspense himself and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect and appreciate the timelessness of his musings. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for more than a month are planned for you!), exit tickets, stations, full class or small group discussion questions, for homework, task cards, sub plans, as a filler activity… the possibilities are endless!

Example of a prompt:

"Who has not, a hundred times, found himself committing a vile or a silly action, for no other reason than because he knows he should not?”

Think of a time when you did something while you were very much aware that you should not be doing it. Why did you do it? What were the consequences of your decision to commit this wrong?

Enjoy using these bell ringers during your study of any of Poe's stories, Halloween, or any time throughout the year when you just need to hear a few wise words from the Father of Horror!

This product requires free accounts through Google Drive and is completely paperless.

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More resources to round out your Edgar Allan Poe unit:

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Bell Ringer Journal Prompts (paper version)

⭐ Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe PowerPoint

⭐ Introduction to Edgar Allan Poe Scavenger Hunt

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Brochure

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe's Obituary

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Quote Posters

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Human Tic Tac Toe Review Game

Chilling literature guides to frighten your students for months!

⭐ The Raven Literature Guide

⭐ The Tell-Tale Heart Literature Guide

⭐ The Black Cat Literature Guide

⭐ The Pit and the Pendulum Literature Guide

⭐ The Masque of the Red Death Literature Guide

⭐ The Cask of Amontillado Literature Guide

⭐ The Fall of the House of Usher Literature Guide

⭐ Edgar Allan Poe Short Story BUNDLE

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Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Understand protagonists with this 6-page workbook! Perfect for short stories, this resource helps students explore roles, traits, narration styles, and characterization.

Why Use This Workbook?

• Save time with this no-prep resource.
• Reuse for any short story (or novel).
• Guides students in analyzing the role and influence of protagonists.
• Encourages independent work, paired or group discussions, or teacher-led facilitation.
• Versatile for assignments, class activities, or literary analysis.

What’s Inside?

• 4 pages of informative handouts covering:

  • Roles and Types of Protagonists
  • Direct and Indirect Characterization
  • The Importance of the Protagonist
  • Protagonist as Narrator (including reliable vs. unreliable narrators)

• 2 Character Mapping Templates/Graphic Organizers adaptable to any story.

• Engaging prompts designed to deepen understanding of protagonists.

This Workbook Covers:

• Roles and traits of protagonists.
• The concept of reliable and unreliable narrators.
• Tools to analyze direct and indirect characterization.
• Prompts that connect protagonists to broader themes and story elements.

Who is This Resource For?

Perfect for:

• Classroom teachers needing a quick, adaptable resource.
• Homeschooling parents wanting structured, independent character analysis activities.
• Substitute or relief teachers needing straightforward, ready-to-go materials.
• Tutors focusing on protagonist roles and narrative study.
• Upper Middle and High school students exploring literary elements.

Flexible Format:

• File Format: Delivered as a zip file with two PDFs: AU spelling and A4-sized PDF & USA spelling and letter-sized PDF
• Prints beautifully in color or grayscale (just select grayscale/BW before printing).
• Note: This is not an interactive digital resource.

Terms of Use:

• Licensed for single-classroom use only.
• Printing and distribution to your students is allowed, but please do not share online or with colleagues.
• Additional licenses are available in the EduHive Learning Resources store.
• Graphics and design elements sourced from RawPixel and Canva under appropriate licenses.

Link to Other Resources:

If you like this resource, check out other character-focused tools in the Character Analysis Series:

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist Roles, Traits, & Mapping Templates – High School
2. Character Analysis (S.T.E.A.L): Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
3. Character Arc Analysis: Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
4. Antagonist – Character Mapping Template & Analysis Table – High School

For the complete collection, check out the Character Analysis Mega Bundle and save 20%!

After Purchase – Feedback and Credits

Thank you for purchasing! Your feedback helps me improve my resources and tailor them to your classroom needs. Did you know you can earn TeachShare credits for future purchases?

To leave a review:

1. Go to MY PURCHASES on TeachShare (you may need to log in).
2. Find this product and click PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
3. Give a quick rating and comment.

Each review earns you credits, lowering the cost of future resources. I truly value your feedback—it helps me create even more helpful tools for your classroom!

Follow Along on My Journey!

I’m thrilled to be building EduHive Learning Resources into a “one-stop shop” for all things classroom. This store is just the beginning—more exciting resources are on the way! Follow my store to stay updated on new releases, exclusive discounts, and creative tools to enhance your teaching.

Warm regards,

Bee

KEYWORDS:

protagonist | character analysis | characterization | characterisation | traits | graphic organizer | graphic organiser | short stories | literature | literary analysis | ELA resources | Secondary English | middle school | high school | independent learning | reusable templates | narrative tools | Australian spelling | USA spelling | analyze | analyse | reliable narrator | unreliable narrator | protagonist mapping | character mapping

This resource features a digital set of 25 reader response journal prompts to complement your Shakespeare unit and support distance learning using Google Drive. Each bell ringer is comprised of a Shakespearean quote from one of his plays or sonnets and a thoughtfully crafted question that encourages students to personally connect and appreciate the timelessness of his work. Prompts can be used as bell-ringers (most popular and mean the first 5 minutes of every class for more than a month are planned for you!), summarizers, stations, full class or small group discussion questions, for homework, task cards, sub plans, as a filler activity… the possibilities are endless!

Example of a prompt:

All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players… and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages” ~ As You Like It

What types of roles do you play in your own life? How do these roles differ and to what audience(s) are they played? Why do we find ourselves playing different roles for different people within our lives?

Enjoy using these bell ringers during your study of any Shakespearean play or any time throughout the year when you just need to hear a few wise words from the Bard!

This product requires free accounts through Google Drive and is completely paperless.

___________________________________________________________________________

Also, check out these great products to add to your Shakespeare unit by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Shakespeare Bell Ringer Journal Prompts (paper version)

⭐ Shakespeare ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Shakespeare Scavenger Hunt

⭐ Introduction to Shakespeare Powerpoint

⭐ Shakespeare Crossword Puzzle

⭐ Shakespeare's "Death Lines" Activity

⭐ Shakespeare Valentine's Day Lesson Plan

⭐ William Shakespeare Quote Posters

___________________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Unpack the impact of minor characters with this 4-page resource! Perfect for analyzing characterization, roles, and motivations in short stories (or adapt for novels).

Why Use This Resource?

• Save time with this no-prep workbook.
• Helps students explore the critical role of minor characters.
• Guides learners in understanding how minor characters impact plot and themes.
• Supports independent work, paired or group discussions, or teacher-led facilitation.
• Versatile for use across multiple narratives.

What’s Inside?

• 1 Minor Character Record/List for identifying significant minor characters.
• 1 Minor Character Analysis Table to explore personality traits, motivations, and roles.
• Explicit instructions and engaging prompts designed to suit a variety of short stories.

This Workbook Covers:

• The role of minor characters in advancing plot, reinforcing themes, and supporting the protagonist.
• Tools for analyzing personality, actions, and purpose.
• Prompts to connect minor characters to the broader narrative.

Who is This Resource For?

Perfect for:

• Classroom teachers needing versatile, reusable resources.
• Homeschooling parents seeking structured analysis tools.
• Substitute or relief teachers needing impactful, easy-to-use materials.
• Tutors focusing on literary analysis.
• Upper Middle and High School students exploring characterization.

Flexible Format:

• File Format: Delivered as a zip file with two PDFs:

  • AU spelling and A4-sized PDF
  • USA spelling and letter-sized PDF

• Prints beautifully in color or grayscale (select grayscale before printing).

• Note: This is not an interactive digital resource.

Terms of Use:

• Licensed for single-classroom use only.
• Printing and distribution to your students is allowed, but please do not share online or with colleagues.
• Additional licenses are available in the EduHive Learning Resources store.
• Graphics and design elements sourced from RawPixel and Canva under appropriate licenses.

Link to Other Resources:

If you like this resource, check out other character-focused tools in the Character Analysis Series:

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist Roles, Traits, & Mapping Templates – High School
2. Character Analysis (S.T.E.A.L): Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
3. Character Arc Analysis: Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
4. Antagonist – Character Mapping Template & Analysis Table – High School

For the complete collection, check out the Character Analysis Mega Bundle and save 20%!

After Purchase – Feedback and Credits

Thank you for purchasing! Your feedback helps me improve my resources and tailor them to your classroom needs. Did you know you can earn TeachShare credits for future purchases?

To leave a review:

1. Go to MY PURCHASES on TeachShare (you may need to log in).
2. Find this product and click PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
3. Give a quick rating and comment.

Each review earns you credits, lowering the cost of future resources. I truly value your feedback—it helps me create even more helpful tools for your classroom!

Follow Along on My Journey!

I’m thrilled to be building EduHive Learning Resources into a “one-stop shop” for all things classroom. This store is just the beginning—more exciting resources are on the way! Follow my store to stay updated on new releases, exclusive discounts, and creative tools to enhance your teaching.

Warm regards,

Bee

KEYWORDS:

minor characters | character analysis | characterisation | characterization | graphic organizer | literary analysis | traits | short stories | literature | middle school | high school | protagonist | antagonist | ELA resources | Australian spelling | USA spelling | reusable templates | independent learning | narrative tools | analyze | analyse

This resource features a meticulous lesson plan for introducing and reading the story, comprehension questions, a literary elements chart, a vocabulary worksheet, and comprehensive answer keys for Kurt Vonnegut's cautionary tale of government overreach and equality gone wrong, Harrison Bergeron. Materials encourage students to examine the text closely and make inferences based on their observations. Each resource is meant to enhance your students' understanding of the story so that you can really dive into the deep stuff! This product is suitable for inside or outside of class and can also function as an emergency substitute plan.

Product Includes:

• Comprehensive Lesson Plan for Reading the Story
• What is Equality? Pre-Reading Activity
• Attractive Cover Page for Student Packet
• Comprehension Questions
• Literary Elements Chart
• Vocabulary Worksheet
• Meticulous Answer Keys for all Components

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Also, check out these great resources to complement your unit on Harrison Bergeron by Language Arts Excellence:

⭐ Harrison Bergeron Pre-Reading Activity

⭐ Harrison Bergeron Socratic Seminar

⭐ Harrison Bergeron ESCAPE ROOM

⭐ Introduction to Dystopia Powerpoint

___________________________________________________________________

Click to Follow Language Arts Excellence

Dive into the complexities of antagonists with this resource! Perfect for analyzing characterization, motivations, and roles in short stories (or adapt for novels).

Why Use This Resource?

• Save time with this no-prep workbook.
• Keep this resource and reuse for any short story.
• Helps students explore the critical role of antagonists.
• Guides learners in understanding how antagonists impact the plot and protagonist.
• Supports independent work, paired or group discussions, or teacher-led facilitation.
• Versatile for use across multiple narratives.

What’s Inside?

• 2 informative pages on What is an Antagonist? and Role of an Antagonist.
• 1 Character Mapping Template for exploring antagonist character traits and motivations.
• 1 Character Analysis Table to break down personality, motivations, and impact on the story.
• Engaging prompts designed to suit a variety of short stories or novels.

This Workbook Covers:

• The role of antagonists in driving conflict and challenging the protagonist.
• Tools for analyzing personality, actions, and motivations.
• Prompts to explore the antagonist’s influence on the narrative and themes.

Who is This Resource For?

Perfect for:

• Classroom teachers needing versatile, reusable resources.
• Homeschooling parents seeking structured analysis tools.
• Substitute or relief teachers needing impactful, easy-to-use materials.
• Tutors focusing on literary analysis.
• Upper middle and high school students exploring characterization and antagonist roles.

Flexible Format:

• File Format: Delivered as a zip file with two PDFs: AU spelling and A4-sized PDF & USA spelling and letter-sized PDF
• Prints beautifully in color or grayscale (select grayscale/BW before printing).
• Note: This is not an interactive digital resource.

Terms of Use:

• Licensed for single-classroom use only.
• Printing and distribution to your students is allowed, but please do not share online or with colleagues.
• Additional licenses are available in the EduHive Learning Resources store.
• Graphics and design elements sourced from RawPixel and Canva under appropriate licenses.

Link to Other Resources:

If you like this resource, check out other character-focused tools in the Character Analysis Series:

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist Roles, Traits, & Mapping Templates – High School
2. Character Analysis (S.T.E.A.L): Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
3. Character Arc Analysis: Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
4. Minor Characters – Character Role & Analysis Table – High School

For the complete collection, check out the Character Analysis Mega Bundle and save 20%!

After Purchase – Feedback and Credits

Thank you for purchasing! Your feedback helps me improve my resources and tailor them to your classroom needs. Did you know you can earn TeachShare credits for future purchases?

To leave a review:

1. Go to MY PURCHASES on TeachShare (you may need to log in).
2. Find this product and click PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
3. Give a quick rating and comment.

Each review earns you credits, lowering the cost of future resources. I truly value your feedback—it helps me create even more helpful tools for your classroom!

Follow Along on My Journey!

I’m thrilled to be building EduHive Learning Resources into a “one-stop shop” for all things classroom. This store is just the beginning—more exciting resources are on the way! Follow my store to stay updated on new releases, exclusive discounts, and creative tools to enhance your teaching.

Warm regards,

Bee

KEYWORDS:

antagonists | character analysis | characterisation | characterization | graphic organizer | literary analysis | traits | short stories | literature | middle school | high school | protagonist | antagonist development | ELA resources | Secondary English | Australian spelling | USA spelling | reusable | independent learning | narrative tools | analyze | analyse | antagonist conflict | antagonist personality | antagonist motivations

Dive into the complexities of antagonists with this resource! Perfect for analyzing characterization, motivations, and roles in short stories (or adapt for novels).

Why Use This Resource?

• Save time with this no-prep workbook.
• Keep this resource and reuse for any short story.
• Helps students explore the critical role of antagonists.
• Guides learners in understanding how antagonists impact the plot and protagonist.
• Supports independent work, paired or group discussions, or teacher-led facilitation.
• Versatile for use across multiple narratives.

What’s Inside?

• 2 informative pages on What is an Antagonist? and Role of an Antagonist.
• 1 Character Mapping Template for exploring antagonist character traits and motivations.
• 1 Character Analysis Table to break down personality, motivations, and impact on the story.
• Engaging prompts designed to suit a variety of short stories or novels.

This Workbook Covers:

• The role of antagonists in driving conflict and challenging the protagonist.
• Tools for analyzing personality, actions, and motivations.
• Prompts to explore the antagonist’s influence on the narrative and themes.

Who is This Resource For?

Perfect for:

• Classroom teachers needing versatile, reusable resources.
• Homeschooling parents seeking structured analysis tools.
• Substitute or relief teachers needing impactful, easy-to-use materials.
• Tutors focusing on literary analysis.
• Upper middle and high school students exploring characterization and antagonist roles.

Flexible Format:

• File Format: Delivered as a zip file with two PDFs: AU spelling and A4-sized PDF & USA spelling and letter-sized PDF
• Prints beautifully in color or grayscale (select grayscale/BW before printing).
• Note: This is not an interactive digital resource.

Terms of Use:

• Licensed for single-classroom use only.
• Printing and distribution to your students is allowed, but please do not share online or with colleagues.
• Additional licenses are available in the EduHive Learning Resources store.
• Graphics and design elements sourced from RawPixel and Canva under appropriate licenses.

Link to Other Resources:

If you like this resource, check out other character-focused tools in the Character Analysis Series:

1. Character Analysis: Protagonist Roles, Traits, & Mapping Templates – High School
2. Character Analysis (S.T.E.A.L): Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
3. Character Arc Analysis: Protagonist Traits & Template Mapping – High School
4. Minor Characters – Character Role & Analysis Table – High School

For the complete collection, check out the Character Analysis Mega Bundle and save 20%!

After Purchase – Feedback and Credits

Thank you for purchasing! Your feedback helps me improve my resources and tailor them to your classroom needs. Did you know you can earn TeachShare credits for future purchases?

To leave a review:

1. Go to MY PURCHASES on TeachShare (you may need to log in).
2. Find this product and click PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
3. Give a quick rating and comment.

Each review earns you credits, lowering the cost of future resources. I truly value your feedback—it helps me create even more helpful tools for your classroom!

Follow Along on My Journey!

I’m thrilled to be building EduHive Learning Resources into a “one-stop shop” for all things classroom. This store is just the beginning—more exciting resources are on the way! Follow my store to stay updated on new releases, exclusive discounts, and creative tools to enhance your teaching.

Warm regards,

Bee

KEYWORDS:

antagonists | character analysis | characterisation | characterization | graphic organizer | literary analysis | traits | short stories | literature | middle school | high school | protagonist | antagonist development | ELA resources | Secondary English | Australian spelling | USA spelling | reusable | independent learning | narrative tools | analyze | analyse | antagonist conflict | antagonist personality | antagonist motivations