
Description
Have your students dive into “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl with Character Collabs, a fun, engaging, and collaborative character analysis project that brings this darkly humorous short story to life.
In this activity, students analyze Mary Maloney, Patrick Maloney, Sam, and Jack using multiple methods of characterization to explore personality traits, motivations, relationships, and irony. Through close reading, inference, and textual evidence, students develop a deeper understanding of Dahl’s use of suspense, foreshadowing, and dramatic irony.
Students present their analysis on a collaborative poster, transforming literary analysis into a creative and memorable experience. This hands-on approach boosts comprehension and retention while strengthening critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. The completed posters also serve as high-impact classroom displays that reinforce character development and thematic elements.
Everything you need for smooth implementation is included, featuring a comprehensive teacher guide, clear student directions, a holistic rubric, and a brainstorm character analysis worksheet to support thoughtful planning. You’ll also receive blank coloring pages for each character, answer keys, an example of a completed project, and digitally colored sample posters for every character. Editable versions of the directions, rubric, and brainstorm worksheet are provided for easy customization.
Each poster is made up of six pieces of paper that can be printed on standard copy paper or cardstock and assembled into a final display measuring 28” x 15” once completed.
Perfect for middle school and high school ELA, this Lamb to the Slaughter character analysis project transforms Roald Dahl’s unforgettable story into an engaging, collaborative learning experience students won’t forget.