No Prep Plans Number the Stars Novel Study | Ellen Character Analysis

No Prep Plans Number the Stars Novel Study | Ellen Character Analysis & Character Case File

Explore Ellen Rosen’s experience of living with a hidden identity in Number the Stars with this engaging character and conflict investigation. Students examine who Ellen really is, who she must pretend to be, and what it costs emotionally to conceal her identity in order to survive.

Designed for Grades 4–8, this No Prep Plans resource combines close reading, text evidence, historical context, character analysis, and a creative Character Case File investigation.

Students Will
- Analyze Ellen Rosen’s character and identity
- Compare Ellen’s true identity with her Lise Johansen cover identity
- Investigate moments when Ellen risks being discovered
- Gather and analyze evidence from the novel
- Examine Ellen’s fear, courage, and trust
- Consider the emotional cost of hiding one’s identity
- Evaluate which moments place Ellen in the greatest danger
- Make a meaningful modern connection
- Plan and build an Ellen Character Case File

This Resource Includes
- Teacher Directions
- Overview + Mini Research Questions
- 5-Step Group Activity
- 3 student investigation and planning activities
- Character Case File planning space
- Online research resources
- Color + printer-friendly B&W student pages

Why Teachers Love This
- No prep and ready to use
- Designed for 1–2 class periods
- Approximately 45–60 minutes per period
- Moves beyond basic comprehension questions
- Encourages students to dig into character, identity, and conflict
- Builds close-reading and text-evidence skills
- Integrates historical context with literary analysis
- Encourages thoughtful discussion of fear, courage, trust, and identity
- Works for individual, partner, or small-group learning
- Easy to add to an existing Number the Stars novel study

Part of the Number the Stars Novel Study Series
- Part of the Number the Stars: Character & Conflict Investigations series
- Each investigation explores a character, conflict, theme, or important idea
- Use individually or combine with other investigations for a larger novel study
- Encourages deeper literary analysis beyond traditional chapter-by-chapter worksheets

Great For
- Number the Stars novel studies
- Text evidence practice
- Close reading
- Historical fiction units
- WWII literature
- Upper elementary ELA
- Middle school ELA
- Grades 4–8

Disclaimer
This is an independently created educational resource for use with Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lois Lowry, her publishers, or other rights holders. No portion of the novel is included. This resource is intended for supplemental instruction and use alongside legally obtained copies of the novel.