Paper 1 Question 5 English Language - Creating a character

Paper 1 Question 5 English Language - Creating a character

AO5: Vocabulary should be ambitious in writing.

On the next five slides, you will be asked to define the words provided. You will have 30 seconds to select your answer.

Multiple Choice

What does 'aberration' mean?

• something offensive

• something different to the normal

• something that is unique

Multiple Choice

What does 'connive' mean?

• To plot or scheme

• To work underhandedly

• To behave mysteriously

Multiple Choice

What does 'fractious' mean?

• Confused

• Broken

• Troublesome or irritable

Multiple Choice

What does 'inept' mean?

• Not available

• Not suitable or capable

• Not desired

Multiple Choice

What does 'maverick' mean?

• A dependent, conformist person

• An independent, non-conformist person

What impression do we get of this character?

He shuffled forward squinting wickedly at my daughter. Drawing back his lips in the most sickening smile, he displayed teeth yellowed with age and neglect. He extended his filthy paw and grasped my hand. Leaning forward as he did so, he sent me reeling with disgust with the foul stink of his breath.

Open Ended

He shuffled forward squinting wickedly at my daughter. Drawing back his lips in the most sickening smile, he displayed teeth yellowed with age and neglect. He extended his filthy paw and grasped my hand. Leaning forward as he did so, he sent me reeling with disgust with the foul stink of his breath.

What impression do you get of this character? List the verbs, adverbs, and adjectives used.

Open Ended

He shuffled forward squinting wickedly at my daughter. Drawing back his lips in the most sickening smile, he displayed teeth yellowed with age and neglect. He extended his filthy paw and grasped my hand. Leaning forward as he did so, he sent me reeling with disgust with the foul stink of his breath.

Select 1 / 2 / 3 verb, adjective or adverbs used and write down the meaning and effect of these.

Extension: What is the effect of the metaphor (zoomorphism) of 'filthy paw'?

Characters in books are not static: they react and change according to the situation they are in and who they are with. How someone behaves is influenced by their character in general.

In order to develop a living, breathing, multi-faceted character it is important to know more about them then you are likely to use in your story. You need to understand who they are, what they look like, their personality, likes, dislikes, hobbies, background etc. The idea is that your character becomes real.

Writing Strong Characters - The Important Distinction Between Want and Need - YouTube

https://youtu.be/Zci-54NbeMo - Watch this video on YouTube for more guidance on character design.

MAIN TASK: Create a character of your own

On your lesson instructions on TEAMS, you will find an attached resource for creating your own character. This should be completed and submitted via 'Assignments'. You are welcome to draw an image of your character too, but I want you to spend time really thinking about what your character would be like.

TOP TIP: This character can be used in your exams. Once you have a well-designed character, we can practise putting them in different scenarios and considering how they respond.