English First Additional Language - Term 4 - Week 6

Character development refers to the process by which an author creates a believable and complex character. This can include their personality traits, motivations, and growth throughout the story. Authors often use techniques such as dialogue, actions, thoughts, and interactions with other characters to reveal these traits. Understanding how characters evolve helps readers connect with the story on a deeper level.

Let's take Ponyboy Curtis from 'The Outsiders' as an example. Ponyboy is introduced as a sensitive and introspective character. Through his thoughts and interactions with his brothers, we see his struggles with identity and belonging. For instance, his internal monologue reveals his feelings of isolation, while his relationships with characters like Johnny and Dally show his capacity for loyalty and empathy. This multifaceted portrayal makes him relatable and realistic.

In pairs, choose a character from a text we have studied this term. Create a character profile that includes their name, key traits, motivations, and a brief summary of their development throughout the story. Use specific examples from the text to support your points. After 15 minutes, each pair will present their character profile to the class, highlighting the literary techniques used to develop their chosen character.

For this assignment, write a short essay analyzing a character from a novel or short story of your choice. Focus on how the author develops this character through various literary techniques. Include specific examples and quotes from the text to support your analysis. Your essay should be 300-500 words and will be due at the end of the week.

• The process of creating a plot
• The process of creating a believable character
• The process of writing dialogue
• The process of summarizing a story

Answer: The process of creating a believable character

Character development involves crafting characters that feel real and relatable to the reader.

• Dialogue
• Setting description
• Character actions
• Internal monologue

Answer: Setting description

While setting can influence characters, it does not directly develop their traits or motivations.

Answer: Dialogue

Dialogue reveals character traits and relationships through the way characters speak and interact.

• Their physical appearance
• Their thoughts and feelings
• Their actions
• Their relationships with others

Answer: Their thoughts and feelings

Internal monologue provides insight into a character's inner world, revealing their motivations and conflicts.

Answer: Actions show how a character responds to challenges and situations, revealing their true nature.

Through actions, readers can see how characters grow or change in response to events in the story.

• Johnny
• Dally
• Ponyboy
• Two-Bit

Answer: Johnny

Johnny's loyalty to Ponyboy and his friends is a central aspect of his character throughout the novel.

• To summarize the plot