Characters
Who is the main character in The Tiger Rising?
Rob Horton
What emotion does Rob try to “lock up” inside him?
His sadness
What lesson did Sistine learn?
She needs to save herself
Where does the story take place?
Lister, Florida
Finish this quote: “He had learned not to ______.”
Cry
What is the name of the girl Rob meets at school?
Sistine Bailey
Why does Sistine get angry so easily?
She misses her father; she didn't want to move
What does Rob’s “suitcase” of emotions mean?
He keeps his feelings locked away inside
Who does Rob live with?
His dad
Why does Sistine always talk about her father coming back?
She believes he will return
What animal is locked in a cage near the motel?
A tiger
How does Rob feel when he first shows Sistine the tiger?
Nervous but excited to share his secret
What is the main theme of The Tiger Rising?
Dealing with grief and learning to express emotions
What happened to Rob’s mother?
She died
“Crying ain’t gonna kill you.” — How does this quote show Willie May’s role in the story?
It shows that Willie May teaches Rob it’s okay to feel and express emotions — that real strength comes from honesty, not hiding pain.
Who owns the tiger?
Beauchamp (the motel owner)
What does the tiger symbolize for Rob?
His trapped feelings and grief
Why did Rob decide to free the tiger?
Keeping the tiger locked up was like keeping his own feelings trapped inside
What happens after Rob and Sistine open the tiger’s cage?
The tiger runs free but is shot by Rob’s father
“You can’t cage what’s meant to be free.” How does this quote connect to the story’s message?
It shows that both the tiger and Rob’s emotions were never meant to be trapped — freedom and honesty bring healing.
Who is Willie May, and what advice does she give to Rob?
Willie May is the motel housekeeper who tells Rob to let his feelings rise.
How does Rob change by the end of the story?
He learns to face his emotions and open up
What lesson does Rob learn about grief and courage?
It’s brave to feel and share your emotions instead of hiding them
What happens to the tiger in the end?
It's killed
What does the ending teach us about freedom?
True freedom comes from letting go and being honest about your feelings