Dreams That Drive

This character analysis worksheet is designed for students in Grades 8 and 9 to deepen understanding of motivation, theme, and evidence-based reasoning through Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. Learners examine both major and minor characters by identifying each character’s primary dream or goal and explaining the motivations behind it, using details from the text to support their analysis. The activity highlights how personal ambitions shape decisions and family dynamics throughout the play.

Learning Goals

• Character Motivation & Analysis (Grades 8-9)
  Students identify what drives each character and how those desires influence behavior.
• Using Textual Evidence
  Learners support explanations with specific moments, dialogue, or actions from the play.
• Understanding Theme Through Character
  Activities connect individual dreams to broader themes such as aspiration, identity, and family.
• Analytical Writing Skills
  Students practice writing clear, focused explanations grounded in textual reasoning.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with middle school and early high school ELA standards.
• Organized Chart Format
  Visual structure helps students clearly separate goals, motivations, and evidence.
• Supports Close Reading
  Encourages attention to subtle details that reveal character desires and conflicts.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for literature units, review activities, discussion prep, or assessment.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Easy to implement in classroom or homeschool settings.

This Dreams That Drive worksheet helps students see how A Raisin in the Sun is shaped by the ambitions of its characters. By analyzing goals and motivations with evidence, learners strengthen comprehension, critical thinking, and insight into how dreams influence choices and relationships in literature.

This worksheet is part of our A Raisin in the Sun collection.