Teach Character Traits with Short Films

If you want to teach character traits with short films, consider using the animated short film Geri’s Game. This Pixar-produced short is entertaining and rich in content that can help students develop their understanding of character traits and storytelling. The film is conveniently embedded below, so you can easily incorporate it into your lessons

Lesson Handout

This handout includes printables and detailed instructions for all activities listed in this post.

Teaching Character Traits with Geri’s Game [4:52]

Geri’s Game is set in a tranquil Paris park in early October. The story unfolds as Geri, an older man, plays a chess game against himself. With each move, Geri changes sides, taking on different personalities—one side thoughtful and anxious, the other cunning and playful. The film cleverly speeds up the action, creating the illusion that two players are engaged in an intense chess match. The short is filled with humorous moments, such as Geri faking a heart attack, that students will enjoy.

Film Background

Pixar released Geri’s Game in 1997, paired with the movie A Bug’s Life. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1998, making it a classic example of storytelling through animation.

Teaching Character Traits with Animated Shorts

Activities to use with Geri’s Game

Activity #1 – Constructed Response Character Analysis

The handout helps students understand Geri’s dual personalities. It features a constructed response organizer to guide students in comparing and contrasting the traits and behaviors of White Geri and Black Geri during the chess game.

Activity #2 – Discussion Questions:

Ask questions such as “What is Geri’s mental state?” and “How is the story told without words?” to prompt students to consider the film’s underlying themes and narrative techniques.

Activity #3 – Creative Writing Task

Have students write a short story from White Geri’s or Black Geri’s perspectives. This exercise allows them to expand on the character’s traits and imagine what might happen after the chess game ends.

Activity #4 – Character Sketch Activity

Encourage students to create visual representations of White Geri and Black Geri. They can draw or use digital tools to illustrate each persona, labeling traits and expressions. This activity reinforces their understanding of character traits and the importance of visual cues in storytelling.

Activity #5 – Compare and Contrast Exercise

Have students compare Geri’s behavior in the film to that of another character from a different story they’ve read. This activity develops their analytical skills by identifying similarities and differences in character portrayal.

Activity #6 – Dual Personalities Discussion

Hold a class discussion about dual personalities or inner conflict, using Geri as an example. This discussion can help students understand character development and see how one person can have contrasting traits. Have students think about other characters in books or movies who show this duality.

Children’s Book Characters who Exhibit Dual Personalities or Complex Traits

The White Witch / Jadis (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis)

Dual Personality: The White Witch, also known as Jadis, presents herself as a regal and commanding figure, but beneath her cold exterior, she is manipulative, cruel, and power-hungry. The White Witch shows her duality in her interactions with Edmund and the other children.

Matilda Wormwood (Matilda by Roald Dahl)

Dual Personality: Matilda is a sweet, intelligent girl who appears unassuming on the outside but harbors a rebellious spirit and extraordinary telekinetic powers. Her quiet demeanor contrasts with her powerful actions against injustice.

Download the handout for a more detailed list.

Activity #7 – Vocabulary Building

Incorporate vocabulary activities focused on words like

senile
persona
mannerisms
boastful

Understanding these terms in context will enhance students’ comprehension of the film and improve their ability to articulate their analyses.

What Teachers Are Saying:

Nicole

“My students LOVE these lessons and look forward to a new one each week. Even though my students are in middle school, they enjoy the videos and are totally engaged the whole time!”

These activities, discussion questions, and vocabulary-building exercises can create a rich lesson. This approach teaches students about character traits, helping them better understand literary elements and enhancing their learning experience.

See the product that inspired this post.

The organizer in the mini-lesson is a sample from Teaching Reading Skills with Animated Shorts Part 2.