Students sometimes describe what characters say without explaining how a conversation develops characterization. This free mini-lesson gives students a focused opportunity to examine dialogue, repetition, silence, and actions in a scene from O. Henry's “The Gift of the Magi.”

Students first read the included excerpt with brief context about Della and Jim. They then study the characters' questions, follow how the interaction changes, and write a short paragraph explaining what the conversation reveals about the characters and their relationship. The prompts ask students to distinguish what the passage shows from what they can only infer.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A public-domain excerpt from O. Henry's “The Gift of the Magi” (1905)
- Brief story context and vocabulary support
- Questions about Della's dialogue and Jim's repeated questions and silence
- An activity that traces Jim's and Della's responses through the scene
- A 6–8 sentence characterization analysis task
- A brief partner discussion prompt
- Four printable student pages
- Teacher guidance with a suggested 45-minute lesson sequence
- Sample responses and a model paragraph
- Separate student-only PDF and editable PowerPoint

HOW TO USE IT
Read the excerpt before introducing the close-reading questions. Students then examine Della's and Jim's words, trace the exchange from Jim's arrival to his embrace, and write about the characterization that emerges. Close with a brief discussion comparing interpretations supported by the scene.

AT A GLANCE
Grades: 9–12
Subjects: English Language Arts / Literature / Characterization / Close Reading
Suggested time: 45 minutes (some classes may need additional time)
Length: 8-page complete resource, including 4 printable student pages
Formats: PDF and editable PowerPoint in one ZIP download
Teacher support: Suggested sequence, sample answers, and model paragraph
Other texts required: None—the excerpt is included

This is a complete free classroom lesson, not a preview of a paid resource.

Created by Plotting Something | Secondary ELA resources for careful reading and purposeful literary analysis.

Text note: The excerpt from O. Henry's “The Gift of the Magi” is in the public domain in the United States. The lesson and teacher materials are original to Plotting Something.