English First Additional Language - Term 1 - Week 5

Think about the last time you took a minibus taxi in Soweto or Durban. The driver, the passengers, even the hawker at the robot—each has a unique way of speaking, moving, and reacting. Authors use similar details to create characters that feel real and relatable. For example, in a story set in Khayelitsha, the author might show Lerato’s determination by describing how she studies by candlelight during load-shedding, refusing to let darkness stop her. This concrete action tells us about her character—she is hardworking and resourceful, not just by what she says, but by what she does. The abstract rule here is that authors reveal character through what people do, say, and how others react to them. A common misconception is thinking that only what a character says matters. In fact, actions and reactions are often more revealing than words. If you only focus on dialogue, you might miss the deeper layers of a character’s personality.

Imagine Ahmed boasting about his soccer skills at school in Polokwane. If the narrator says, 'Ahmed is confident,' that’s direct characterisation—the author tells us directly. But if the story shows Ahmed volunteering to take the penalty kick when everyone else is nervous, that’s indirect characterisation—the author shows us through actions. Both methods are used in stories, but indirect characterisation is often more powerful because it lets readers draw their own conclusions and feel more connected to the character. Remember, just because a character says something doesn’t mean it’s true—watch what they do! Many learners confuse the two, thinking all information about a character is direct. Always look for clues in both what is said and what is done, and pay attention to how other characters respond. This helps you build a fuller picture of the character.

Have you ever wondered why a friend made a surprising choice, like skipping a Bafana Bafana match to help at home? In stories, motivation is the reason behind a character’s actions. For example, if Sipho in Mthatha gives his lunch to a classmate, his motivation might be kindness, guilt, or a sense of duty. Authors drop hints about motivation through thoughts, dialogue, and backstory, such as a memory of going hungry himself. When analysing character, always ask: what does this character want, and why? Don’t fall into the trap of assuming all characters have the same motivations as you. Characters, like real people, are shaped by their backgrounds, experiences, and the challenges they face. Understanding motivation helps you explain and predict a character’s choices throughout the story.

Step 1: Read the sentence: 'Thandi waited for her mother at the taxi rank, even though it was raining heavily.' Step 2: Ask, what does Thandi’s action show about her? She is patient and caring. Step 3: Find evidence: her waiting in the rain. Step 4: Write a sentence: 'Thandi is patient, as shown by her waiting for her mother in the rain.' Step 5: Sanity check: Does the evidence support the trait? Yes, because waiting in bad weather is not easy. Final answer: Thandi is patient, supported by her actions. This approach is similar to how you would answer a 2-mark question in an exam, where you must provide both the trait and the evidence.

Step 1: Read the story: Sipho shares his lunch; Ahmed keeps his for himself. Step 2: Ask, why does each act this way? Step 3: Look for clues: Sipho smiles and says, 'You looked hungry.' Ahmed says, 'I worked hard for this.' Step 4: Analyse: Sipho is motivated by kindness; Ahmed by self-reward. Step 5: Write: 'Sipho is motivated by kindness, while Ahmed is motivated by self-interest.' Step 6: Sanity check: Do the quotes match the motivations? Yes. Final answer: The two boys have different motivations, shown by their words and actions. This is the kind of comparison often required in exam questions worth 3 to 4 marks.

Question: In the story, Lerato helps her friend fix a broken bicycle, even though she is late for netball. What does this show about Lerato? Let's think: Her action is helping, even when she has her own plans. This suggests she is helpful and values friendship. Model answer: 'Lerato is helpful, as shown by her fixing her friend’s bicycle despite being late.' Now you try: Thandi stays behind after class to clean up, even though her friends leave. What does this show? Think about her actions and what they reveal. Answer: Thandi is responsible and considerate, as she chooses to help even when others do not.

Question: At the start, Sipho is shy and avoids speaking in class. By the end, he volunteers to present in assembly. What does this show about his character? Let's think: He moves from shy to confident. Model answer: 'Sipho develops confidence, shown by volunteering to present.' Your turn: Ahmed refuses to play soccer at first but later joins the team and scores a goal. What does this show? Consider how Ahmed’s attitude changes and what causes it. Answer: Ahmed becomes more open and willing to try new things, showing personal growth over the course of the story.

1. List two ways an author can reveal a character’s traits, such as through actions or dialogue. 2. Find a sentence in your short story that shows indirect characterisation and write it down. 3. Name one character trait of any main character and give a reason for your choice. For each, explain your thinking in one or two sentences, making sure to use details from your story or class text.

1. Explain why a character in your story acts the way they do, using evidence from the text. 2. Compare two characters’ motivations in your story, describing how they are similar or different. 3. Identify a moment where a character changes and describe what caused that change, using a quote if possible. For each task, write at least three sentences, showing your reasoning and supporting your answers with examples from the story.

1. Analyse how the author uses both direct and indirect characterisation in a key scene from your story. 2. Justify your interpretation of a character’s motivation with at least two pieces of evidence from the text. 3. Write a short paragraph (6-8 lines) comparing the development of two characters, using quotes and explaining how they change. Make sure your answers are detailed, well-organised, and use specific references to the story to support your points.

• The narrator says, 'Sipho is brave.'
• Sipho runs into the burning shack to save a child.
• The author writes, 'Sipho is a hero.'
• Sipho tells his friend, 'I am not scared.'

Answer: Sipho runs into the burning shack to save a child.

Indirect characterisation shows traits through actions, not just by telling. Running into danger shows bravery through what Sipho does, not just what is said about him. Many learners confuse direct statements with indirect evidence, so always look for actions.

• The way a character looks
• The reason behind a character’s actions
• The setting of the story
• The words a character speaks

Answer: The reason behind a character’s actions

Motivation is about why a character acts in a certain way. It is not about appearance, setting, or just words. This is important for analysing and explaining character behaviour in exam questions.

• Lerato always helped her classmates.
• Lerato said, 'I love helping people.'
• Lerato was known for her kindness.
• Lerato gave her lunch to a friend.

Answer: Lerato was known for her kindness.

Direct characterisation is when the author tells you the trait directly. 'Was known for her kindness' is a clear, direct statement. The other options show or imply traits, but do not state them outright.

• Ahmed is more generous
• Sipho is more generous
• Both are equally generous
• Neither is generous

Answer: Sipho is more generous

Sipho’s generosity is shown by his repeated actions—he shares his lunch every day, not just once. Consistency and frequency matter when evaluating character traits like generosity. This is a key point in comparing characters.

• To save space