Exploring characterisation in 'Greenling' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

• character traits

• special qualities that make a character in a story unique

• body language

• a person’s reasons for doing something

• motives

• how characters communicate without words, using movements and gestures

Answer explanation

Understanding a character's motives helps us to understand the story, engage more deeply with the plot and empathise with the characters.

Referring to their body language, how might the character in this image be feeling?

• annoyed

• amazed

• angry

Answer explanation

Body language includes facial expressions, posture, hand movements and other non-verbal cues that can give clues about what a character is thinking or feeling.

True or False? A character's feelings and emotions can only be understood by their body posture.

Answer explanation

Readers can infer a character’s feelings and emotions through their facial expressions, posture and hand movements.

Which of the following can help readers understand a character’s motives?

• actions

• a character’s name

• dialogue

• thoughts and decisions

Answer explanation

Understanding a character's motives helps us to understand the story, engage more deeply with the plot and empathise with the characters.

Select the examples of body language.

• facial expressions

• posture

• tone of voice

• hand movements

• speaking volume

Answer explanation

When looking at how a character is depicted, readers can focus on their body language.

True or False? Mrs. Barleycorn's character traits change from the beginning of the text to the end?

Answer explanation

At the beginning of the text, Mrs. Barleycorn was shocked - she did not want the Greenling in her home. At the end of the text, she stands up for the Greenling when surrounded by the crowd.