English First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 5

Think of your favourite series—maybe Uzalo or Skeem Saam. Why do you care about the characters? Writers make us care by showing us real people with real choices, just like Thandi in Khayelitsha or Sipho in Polokwane. In stories, characterisation means how the writer builds a character’s personality. For example, if a story says, 'Lerato always shared her lunch with classmates,' we see she is generous. Writers use two main methods: direct characterisation (the writer tells us what the character is like) and indirect characterisation (the writer shows us through actions, words, or what others say). Many learners think only what the narrator says counts, but actions and dialogue are just as important. Good characterisation makes us believe these people could catch a minibus taxi with us or stand in the same load-shedding queue.

Imagine Ahmed in Durban: 'Ahmed is hardworking.' That’s direct characterisation—the author tells us straight. Now, if the story says, 'Ahmed wakes at 4am to help his mother bake vetkoek before school,' that’s indirect characterisation. We learn about Ahmed’s character from what he does. Indirect characterisation can also come from what a character says, how they react, or what others say about them. For example, if Sipho’s friend says, 'Sipho never gives up, even when the Springboks lose,' we learn about Sipho’s perseverance. Many learners confuse the two, thinking all character traits are told directly. Remember: direct is told, indirect is shown. In matric exams, you’ll often be asked to give evidence for your answer—so always look for both types.

Picture a scene: Thandi, standing in a queue for water during load-shedding, says, 'We’ll all get our turn. Let’s help the elders first.' Her words show kindness and respect. If she then gives her spot to Gogo Dlamini, her actions confirm it. Dialogue (what a character says) and actions (what a character does) are powerful clues to personality. When you analyse a character, ask: What do their words reveal? What do their actions show? In Paper 2, you might get a 3-mark question: 'Discuss what Thandi’s actions reveal about her character. Give evidence.' Don’t just repeat the action—explain what it shows about her. A common mistake is to quote the dialogue without explaining its meaning. Always link the evidence to the trait.

Why does Lerato risk detention to help a friend? Why does Ahmed refuse to cheat, even when everyone else does? Motivation is the reason behind a character’s choices. Writers hint at motivation through thoughts, feelings, and background. For example, if Sipho grew up seeing his father work hard, his own work ethic makes sense. In exams, you might be asked: 'Explain why Ahmed refuses to cheat.' Use evidence: 'Ahmed values honesty, as shown when he says, “I’d rather fail than lie.”' Don’t just guess—always support your answer with a quote or example. Many learners forget to connect motivation to the story’s events. Always ask: What in the story explains this choice?

Step 1: Read the extract: 'Sipho is a determined learner. Every morning, he runs to catch the early taxi to school.' Step 2: Identify direct characterisation. Reason: Look for where the author tells us about Sipho. 'Sipho is a determined learner' is direct. Step 3: Identify indirect characterisation. Reason: Look for what Sipho does. 'He runs to catch the early taxi to school' shows determination through action. Final answer: Direct—'Sipho is a determined learner.' Indirect—'He runs to catch the early taxi to school.' Sanity check: Both types are present and supported by the text.

Step 1: Read the question: 'Explain why Lerato helps her classmate, using evidence.' Step 2: Find clues in the text. Reason: Look for Lerato’s words or actions. The story says, 'Lerato remembered when she was new and felt alone.' Step 3: Link action to motivation. Reason: Her memory motivates her to help. Step 4: Write the answer: 'Lerato helps her classmate because she remembers feeling lonely. This is shown when the text says, “Lerato remembered when she was new and felt alone.”' Sanity check: The answer explains the reason and gives evidence.

Question: In the story, Ahmed says, 'I won’t copy your homework. I want to learn for myself.' What does this reveal about Ahmed? Let’s think: Is this direct or indirect? It’s indirect—his words show honesty and independence. Model answer: Ahmed’s words show he is honest and values learning. Notice how we used what Ahmed said to infer his character. Now you try: In the story, Thandi always shares her lunch with classmates, even when she has little. What does this show about Thandi’s character? Think about her actions and what they reveal. Answer: Thandi is generous and caring, as her repeated sharing shows concern for others’ needs.

Question: Sipho gives up his place in the taxi for an old man. Why does he do this? Let’s think: What in the story explains his action? Maybe he respects elders or was taught to help. Model answer: Sipho gives up his place because he respects elders, as shown when he says, 'My father taught me to always help older people.' This shows his motivation comes from his upbringing and values. Now you try: Lerato helps a friend study because she remembers struggling herself when she was new at school. Why does she help? Use evidence from the situation. Answer: Lerato helps because she remembers how hard it was for her, so she wants to support others in the same way.

1. Underline two examples of direct characterisation in a given short extract from a South African short story. 2. Match five character traits (like honesty, kindness, bravery, selfishness, or laziness) to actions described in sentences, such as 'shares lunch' or 'refuses to help.' 3. List one way dialogue can reveal a character, and give an example from a story you know.

1. Identify one example each of direct and indirect characterisation in a new extract, explaining your choices. 2. Explain what a character’s action reveals about their personality, using evidence from the text. 3. Write two sentences explaining a character’s motivation for helping or refusing to help, supported by a quote or paraphrased evidence from the story.

1. Analyse how the writer uses both direct and indirect characterisation to develop a main character in a short paragraph (5–6 sentences), referring to specific evidence. 2. Justify a character’s motivation for a key decision, using two pieces of evidence from the text to support your answer. 3. Answer a 5-mark NSC-style question: 'Discuss how the writer makes the character believable. Refer to characterisation and motivation in your response, and use at least two examples from the story.'

• Sipho helped his mother with chores.
• Sipho is a responsible boy.
• Sipho smiled at his friends.
• Sipho ran to school every day.

Answer: Sipho is a responsible boy.

Direct characterisation tells us the trait directly, using words like 'is' or 'was.' The other options show what Sipho does, but do not state the trait outright. In exams, look for sentences where the author makes a clear statement about the character.

• The author tells us the character’s trait.
• We learn about the character through actions or words.
• The character is not important.
• The character is the narrator.

Answer: We learn about the character through actions or words.

Indirect characterisation means the author does not state the trait directly. Instead, the reader must infer the character’s qualities from what the character says, does, or how others react to them. Many learners confuse this with direct characterisation, but indirect always requires you to read between the lines.

• Thandi is generous.
• Thandi gave her sandwich to a hungry learner.
• Thandi is always smiling.
• Thandi likes school.

Answer: Thandi gave her sandwich to a hungry learner.

This line shows generosity through Thandi’s action, without stating the trait. Indirect characterisation relies on what the character does, not just what is said about them. The other options either state the trait directly or do not relate to generosity at all.

• One
• Two
• Three
• Four

Answer: Two

The lesson discusses two types: direct and indirect characterisation. Direct is when the author tells us the trait, and indirect is when the author shows us through actions, dialogue, or reactions. Remembering these two types is essential for exam questions.