English Home Language - Term 1 - Week 3

Character development refers to the process by which an author creates a believable and complex character. This involves not only the character's physical traits but also their thoughts, emotions, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative. Authors use various techniques, such as dialogue, actions, and inner thoughts, to reveal the character's personality and changes over time.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', the character of Jay Gatsby is developed through his lavish parties and mysterious background. Initially, he appears as a wealthy and enigmatic figure, but as the story unfolds, we learn about his deep longing for love and acceptance. This complexity makes Gatsby a tragic hero, illustrating how character development can evoke empathy from the reader.

In small groups, choose a character from a text you have read this term. Discuss how the author develops this character throughout the story. Consider aspects such as their relationships with other characters, key events that influence their development, and any changes they undergo. Each group will present their findings to the class.

Write a short essay analyzing the development of a character from a literary text of your choice. Focus on how the author uses specific techniques to reveal the character's personality and growth. Be sure to include examples from the text to support your analysis. Your essay should be 300-500 words long.

• The character's physical appearance
• The character's relationships with other characters
• The character's thoughts and emotions
• The character's dialogue

Answer: The character's thoughts and emotions

Character development primarily focuses on the internal aspects of a character, including their thoughts, emotions, and motivations.

• Dialogue
• Setting description
• Inner thoughts
• Character actions

Answer: Setting description

While setting can influence characters, it is not a direct technique for character development like dialogue, inner thoughts, or actions.

Answer: Character development is the process by which an author creates a complex character that evolves throughout the story.

This definition captures the essence of how characters are crafted and how they change over time.

• Daisy Buchanan
• Tom Buchanan
• Jay Gatsby
• Nick Carraway

Answer: Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby is considered a tragic hero whose character development reveals his deep desires and ultimate downfall.

Answer: Relationships help to reveal a character's traits and can influence their growth and decisions throughout the story.

This highlights the importance of interactions with other characters in shaping an individual's development.

• A character remains unchanged throughout the story
• A character learns from their mistakes
• A character becomes more selfish
• A character's background is revealed

Answer: A character learns from their mistakes