Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.

Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

Comparing involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.

Contrasting involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.

Exploring characterisation in 'Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story'

English

In 'Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story: reading’ pupils have explored a fictionalised recount of a significant historical figure's life. In ’Harriet Tubman: biographical writing’ pupils will write to inform about a significant person's life, including the impact they had and legacy they left behind.

In 'Escape from Pompeii: reading’, pupils have read a fictionalised retelling of an event, with well-researched facts and information. In ’Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story: reading’ pupils will read about history through an imagined perspective, one which the author has researched extensively.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the historical fiction text, 'Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story'. They explore characterisation across the text and compare perspectives. Finally, pupils engage with the key theme of inequality and explore the legacy of the suffragettes.

'Princess Sophia Duleep Singh: My Story': reading

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

the way an author develops the personalities and traits of a character

the special qualities that make a character in a story unique

identifying similarities between two or more things

identifying differences between two or more things

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

True or False? Characterisation can be conveyed through a character’s actions, thoughts, dialogue and interactions with others.

Queen Victoria is the godmother of which **two** of the Duleep Singh siblings?

During Chapter 4, which character traits or emotions best describe Bamba?

Victor rents a house for his father. Where is it located?

True or False? Bamba and Sophia share no common character traits.

True or False? The text is written in **first person perspective**.

From whose perspective do we read the text?

Which year do we begin following events from Sophia's point of view?

Andeep helps his team even when it's hard

Which of the following examples shows a character who is **loyal**?

Laura sleeps in instead of doing homework

Which of the following examples shows a character who is **determined**?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz