English First Additional Language - Term 2 - Week 8

Think about a time you took a minibus taxi in Polokwane. You probably noticed how the driver, the conductor, and the passengers all acted differently. Some were chatty, others quiet; some helpful, others impatient. In stories, characters are just like real people you meet every day. Analysing characters means looking at what they say, do, and feel, and figuring out what kind of people they are. For example, in a story set in Khayelitsha, Thandi might help her neighbour during load-shedding, showing kindness. We use these details to understand her better. The rule: always use what the character says, does, and thinks to support your opinion. Many learners think you only need to describe what happens, but you must explain why it matters. This skill is vital for Paper 2, where you’ll get marks for both description and analysis.

Imagine Banyana Banyana facing the Springboks in a charity soccer match. Both teams want to win, but their approaches and strengths differ. Similarly, when comparing characters like Sipho and Ahmed in a story set in Durban, look for what they have in common and what sets them apart. For example, both might be ambitious, but Sipho works hard at school while Ahmed takes shortcuts. To compare, use phrases like 'Both...but...' or 'Unlike...'. Always back up your points with quotes or actions from the story. A common mistake is to list facts about each character separately—comparison means putting them side by side. This technique is often tested in exam questions worth 4-6 marks. If you only describe each character without directly comparing, you lose marks. Instead, always show the connection between them.

Picture Lerato studying by candlelight during load-shedding in Mthatha. The setting—no electricity, noisy neighbours—affects her mood and actions. In stories, setting shapes characters’ choices and personalities. For example, a character living in a crowded township might be resourceful or protective. When you analyse characters, ask: How does where they live or what’s happening around them influence their behaviour? Use evidence: 'Because of load-shedding, Lerato learns to adapt.' Many learners forget to link setting and character, losing easy marks. In the NSC, linking context to character earns higher-level marks. Remember, setting is not just the background; it can be a force that pushes characters to act in certain ways, just like real-life circumstances shape us.

Step 1: Read the question: 'Compare Thandi and Sipho’s attitudes towards school.' Step 2: Find evidence. Thandi studies every night, even during load-shedding. Sipho skips homework to play soccer. Step 3: Write a comparison: 'Both Thandi and Sipho attend the same school in Soweto, but Thandi is hardworking, shown by her studying even when there’s no electricity. In contrast, Sipho prefers soccer and often neglects his homework.' Step 4: Check your answer. Did you use evidence? Did you compare directly? Final answer: Yes. This would earn full marks in Paper 2. Always remember to use linking words like 'but' or 'however' to show the contrast clearly.

Step 1: Read the question: 'How does living in Durban affect Ahmed’s behaviour?' Step 2: Look for clues. Ahmed loves surfing and often skips chores to go to the beach. Step 3: Analyse: 'Living near the ocean gives Ahmed easy access to surfing, which becomes his main focus. This setting distracts him from responsibilities at home.' Step 4: Sanity check: Did you link setting and behaviour? Yes. This answer connects Durban’s environment to Ahmed’s actions, just as examiners expect. Always make sure you are not just describing the setting, but explaining how it changes what the character does or feels.

Question: 'Compare why Lerato and Sipho both want to win the school debate.' Let’s think: What drives each? Lerato wants to prove girls can lead; Sipho wants to win the prize money for his family. Model answer: 'Both Lerato and Sipho are determined to win, but for different reasons. Lerato wants to show girls are strong leaders, while Sipho hopes to help his family with the prize.' Now you try: Compare why Ahmed and Thandi both join the science club. Answer: Ahmed wants to improve his marks; Thandi loves experiments. Notice how the answer compares their motivations directly, not just listing them.

Question: 'How does Thandi change after her team loses the soccer final?' Let’s think: What was she like before? Confident. After losing, she becomes more humble and supportive. Model answer: 'Thandi was confident before the final, but after losing, she learns humility and encourages her teammates.' Your turn: How does Sipho change after failing a test? Answer: He becomes more focused and starts studying harder. This shows how a character’s experiences can lead to growth or change, which is often asked in exam questions.

1. List two main characters from a South African short story you’ve read. 2. Name one trait for each character. 3. Find a quote that shows each trait. 4. Briefly describe what makes each character important to the story. 5. Identify whether each trait is shown through action, speech, or thought.

1. Compare how two characters react to a challenge (e.g., load-shedding or a school competition). 2. Explain how the setting influences one character’s actions. 3. Give evidence for your answers. 4. Use at least one linking word in your comparison. 5. Write two sentences showing how the characters are similar or different.

1. Analyse how the relationship between two characters changes over time, using at least two pieces of evidence. 2. Justify which character you admire more, with reasons. 3. Write a short paragraph comparing the motivations of two characters, using linking words. 4. Predict how the setting might influence the characters’ future actions. 5. Explain how the author uses character actions to reveal traits.

• A character who appears only once
• A character who drives the story forward
• A character who is always funny
• A character who lives in a city

Answer: A character who drives the story forward

Main characters are central to the plot. Many think 'main' means 'most likeable', but it’s about importance to the story.

• Give your personal feelings only
• Use quotes or actions from the story
• Describe the setting
• Guess what the author meant

Answer: Use quotes or actions from the story

Evidence from the text is required for full marks. Personal feelings alone are not enough in exams.

• Because
• However
• Firstly
• Suddenly

Answer: However

'However' signals a contrast, which is key in comparison questions. 'Firstly' and 'Suddenly' do not compare.

• It shows where the story happens
• It affects what characters do and feel
• It makes the story longer
• It is always more important than plot

Answer: It affects what characters do and feel

Setting is important because it shapes the choices, feelings, and actions of characters. For example, living in a township during load-shedding can make a character more resourceful or anxious. Many learners only mention the location, but you must explain how the setting changes or influences the character to get full marks.

• Sipho is brave. Ahmed is clever.
• Sipho is brave, but Ahmed is clever.
• Sipho and Ahmed are both in the story.
• Ahmed is cleverer than Sipho.

Answer: Sipho is brave, but Ahmed is clever.

This answer uses a linking word ('but') to show a direct comparison between the two characters' traits. Many learners simply list traits without connecting them. To compare, you must show both the similarity or difference in one sentence. This is what examiners look for in Paper 2.