Characterisation is the way an author 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.

To convey means to communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly.

A hero is a protagonist with noble qualities, often saving or helping others.

An expectation is anticipated behaviour based on character traits.

British English CC

Exploring characterisation in 'Arthur and the Golden Rope'

English

In 'Arthur and the Golden Rope: reading’, pupils discussed the role of a hero and how a character can embody this. In ’Beowulf: narrative writing’, pupils will develop their understanding of characterisation and portrayal of a hero character.

In 'A Journey through Greek Myths: reading’, pupils read and explored a range of traditional myths. In ’Arthur and the Golden Rope: reading’, pupils will draw comparisons between traditional myths and modern myths.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the story, 'Arthur and the Golden Rope'. They develop their understanding of the features of a modern myth and have rich discussion around the text. Finally, pupils explore the key themes in the text and develop a personal response.

'Arthur and the Golden Rope': reading

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

the development of the personality and traits of a character

communicate a message to the reader directly or indirectly

a protagonist with noble qualities, often helping others

anticipated behaviour based on character traits

Match the following keywords to their definitions.

True or False? Fenrir eats the Hand of Time whole.

What are some of the possible inferences we can make about Fenrir from the illustration? 

Which of the following qualities are expected of hero characters?

Which qualities of a hero does Thor exhibit in 'Arthur and the Golden Rope'?

Which qualities of a hero does Arthur exhibit in 'Arthur and the Golden Rope'?

At the beginning of the text 'Arthur and the Golden Rope', which character causes Arthur to leave his town?

True or false. Odin, the father of the gods, conjures the golden rope which is given to Thor.

Throughout the story, what characteristics does Joe Todd Stanton (the author) show Arthur to have?

Throughout the story, what characteristics does Joe Todd Stanton (the author) show Thor to have?

True or False? The colossal cat helps Arthur when he falls from The World Tree.

Arthur travels across the sea to the land of the Viking gods.

Arthur collects the sound of the cat's footfall.

Put the events that have happened so far in the text 'Arthur and the Golden Rope' in the correct order.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet