Word Maps: Developing Critical and Analytical Thinking About Literary Characters

Story synopsis:
A policeman on the beat sees a man leaning in the doorway of a hardware store. The man explains that he is waiting for his friend Jimmy Wells, an appointment they had made twenty years ago. They were best friends, and the man waiting is sure his friend will show up.

The policeman walks away, and shortly after a tall man walks up to the hardware store and greets the man waiting. Incredibly happy to see his old friend again, the man begins walking along the street with him. Soon he realizes that the tall man does not look like his friend Jimmy. He is then arrested by the tall man, and given a note from the policeman. The note said that he had been at the appointment place on time, but had recognized his friend's face as wanted by the police. Since he did not want to arrest his friend, he found someone else to do the job for him.