Hello everyone, how are you? I hope you're feeling good.

My name's Ms. Afzal and I'm feeling excited because today we are exploring characterization, such an exciting and interesting thing to look at.

And we'll be looking at characterization in "Arthur and the Golden Rope." Are you ready to get into it? Let's begin.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can explore characterization of a hero character.

We have some keywords in our lesson today.

Let's go through them, my turn, your turn.

Characterization.

Character traits.

Convey.

Hero.

Expectation.

Great to hear those keywords.

Let's find out what they mean.

Characterization 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.

Let's look out and listen out for these keywords.

They'll be coming up in our lesson today.

Today's lesson, exploring characterization in "Arthur and the Golden Rope" has two parts to it.

There is exploring characterization within the text and what makes a hero.

What an interesting question.

Let's begin with exploring characterization within the text.

What do we know about the text so far? Completing two perilous tasks, Arthur collects the rare items required to craft the golden rope.

Combining these items, Odin, the father of the gods conjures the golden rope, which is given to Thor.

Thor asks Arthur to do one more challenge, to distract the wolf, Fenrir, long enough for Thor to tie him up.

Thor, Arthur and the other gods are ambushed by a group of terrifying creatures.

So what is characterization? Characterization is the way an author and illustrator describe and develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.

Authors and illustrators use a range of methods to convey characterization, a character's appearance, a character's words, a character's actions, how a character is depicted.

True or false? Characterization can only be conveyed through actions a character performs within a text? Pause a video, decide if this is true or false.

Well done if you selected false, that's definitely not true.

And now I would like you to justify your answer by selecting from one of these two statements.

Characterization can be conveyed through the character's actions, alongside their dialogue, how they're depicted and their appearance.

Characterization can only be conveyed through what is written by an author.

Pause the video while you decide which of these statements best justifies your earlier answer.

Well done if you selected statement A.

Indeed characterization can be conveyed through the character's actions, alongside their dialogue, how they're depicted and their appearance.

Great justification for your answer.

In fear, Arthur runs off into the forest to hide.

Fenrir, the terrifying wolf, follows.

Let's hear Joe read pages 46 to 47, up until ".

straight off." And you can follow along in your Text.

<v ->Fenrir's powerful nose quickly sniffed Arthur out</v> and a gigantic claw began to creep closer and closer.

In that moment, Arthur was struck with an idea.

He jumped up ready to bash the wolf on its nose, but Fenrir was too quick.

With a loud crunch, he bit Arthur's hand straight off.

<v ->And now I'd like you to discuss</v> what do you learn about Arthur's character through his appearance, words, actions, and how he's depicted? Pause video while you share your answer with someone nearby.

Perhaps you came up with something like this.

Arthur is hiding from Fenrir behind a rock and he's very small in comparison.

There are small white lines to indicate Arthur having an idea.

His actions go from hiding to confronting the beast.

He appears very brave.

Well done for sharing your answers.

And now let's hear Joe read page 48 up until ".

in confusion." And you can follow along in your text.

<v ->And then Arthur pulled out his real hand.

</v> Fenrir had been tricked.

The huge beast had bitten the Hand of Time and swallowed it whole.

His whole body froze in an instant except for his eyes, which blinked in confusion.

<v ->And now I'd like you to discuss.

</v> Compare Arthur to how he is portrayed on page 47.

How has this change in character been conveyed? Pause the video, share with someone nearby.

A similar panel is used to depict Arthur and Fenrir.

This time Fenrir's eyes have gone wide with shock.

Arthur's grimace is now a smile or as he reveals his real hand.

Arthur's quick thinking saved him.

He demonstrated heroic character traits in facing Fenrir by himself.

Whoa, what a character, Arthur.

And now I'd like you to match the characterization to the character that exhibits them.

So we have Arthur and Fenrir.

Here's the characterization.

Smiling as he reveals his real hand.

His whole body froze in an instant.

Eyes blinked in confusion.

Used his intelligence to overcome a challenge.

Pause the video while you match the characterization to the character that exhibits them.

Did you match Arthur smiling as he reveals his real hand and he used his intelligence to overcome a challenge? While Fenrir, his whole body froze in an instant and Fenrir's eyes blinked in confusion.

Well done if you match the characterization to the characters in this way.

Illustrations can convey messages about characters.

We can infer a lot more about the characters through Joe Todd Stanton's illustrations.

And we'll be taking a look at some of the illustrations in a little more detail.

Let's consider the ways this illustration conveys the town's wise woman, Atrix, to the reader.

Pause the video and take some time to absorb all the detail from this illustration and how it's conveying Atrix.

So what I can see and what I can infer of these two categories, Atrix holds the crowd's attention.

We can see that.

Atrix's finger is raised as if in instruction, her eyes closed.

Atrix is telling the townspeople about a hero who wields a hammer and can command the skies.

So this is what we can see and what can we infer from this? Well, as Atrix holds the crowd's attention, we can infer the Atrix is revered.

She's elevated above the rest of the crowd.

She's held in esteem.

As she tells the townspeople about this, the hero who wields a hammer, we can infer the Atrix is knowledgeable.

She knows the God who is the only one who can relight the fire, Thor.

Taking a look at this illustration, what I can see and what I can infer.

So I can see that Arthur is glancing downwards.

The townspeople are speaking negatively about him.

They surround him.

His staff is wrapped as if it has been repaired.

And what I can infer from this is that Arthur might feel dejected and unwanted.

He does not have the respect of his elders.

And now over to you.

What has been conveyed through this illustration? What can you see and what can you infer? Tell someone nearby.

Pause the video here.

Thanks for sharing what you saw and what you could infer.

And now let me share with you what I can see in this image.

Arthur is shocked at Thor's height.

Thor's expression is serious.

He's focused on the text he holds in his hands.

The text depicts Fenrir, the wolf that has terrorised Arthur's town.

What I can infer from this is that Thor is helpful.

He agrees to help Arthur.

Fenrir is powerful.

He's already evaded capture from the gods.

Now over to you.

Take a look at this illustration.

What is being conveyed? What can you see and what can you infer? Pause the video, share with someone nearby.

Thank you for sharing what you could see and infer.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to explore the characterization of Arthur and Thor.

Using a mind map, note down their character traits and how they're conveyed.

Refer to the text.

You can use information from the words, illustrations or a mix of both.

So we have Arthur and Thor.

Pause the video while you create your mind maps, noting down their character traits and how they are conveyed.

I'll see you when you're finished.

It's good to be back with you.

I'm excited to see these mind maps exploring the characterization of Arthur and Thor.

Let's take a look at this one of Arthur.

He is brave.

Arthur collects the rare ingredients by overcoming challenges.

He's worried Arthur is cautious of Fenrir.

He holds onto Thor for support.

And he's intelligent.

Arthur outwits Fenrir using the Hand of Time.

Oh, I love that bit.

And here's Thor.

He's wise.

Thor knows what Arthur must do.

He acts as a mentor, as a guide.

He's encouraging.

Thor helps Arthur realise his potential.

How wonderful, someone that can help with that.

And now onto the next part of our lesson, what makes a hero? Great question.

While different stories may portray heroes in various ways, there are some common characteristics and elements associated with heroic figures.

They often have humble beginnings.

Their strength, physical or otherwise.

They're moral.

They no right from wrong.

They're courageous and brave.

They're selfless.

They're determined.

They go on a journey of transformation or growth.

Heroes do not always have similar features.

A hero may exhibit only some, none or all of these qualities.

I wonder if you have a favourite hero from a story that you've read or seen.

Share who your favourite heroes with someone nearby.

Thanks for sharing.

When characters show these specific character traits, readers can form an understanding of what a hero is by recognising features that they see in similar characters.

In "Arthur and the Golden Rope," there are several characters who might fit the role of hero.

The most prominent two are Arthur and Thor.

I'd like you to discuss what character traits do Arthur and Thor exhibit that might fit the role of a hero? Pause the video while you have this discussion.

I wonder if you came up with an answer like this.

Arthur helps Thor no matter the danger.

He is selfless.

Thor has physical strength.

He shows courage when attacking the terrifying creatures.

Great combination these two, Arthur and Thor.

Which of the following are characteristics traditionally associated with a hero? They're cowardly, refusing to confront adversity.

They go through some transformation or personal growth through the narrative.

They are lazy and have a lack of motivation.

They usually come from humble beginnings.

Pause the video and decide which of the following are characteristics traditionally associated with a hero? Well done if you selected statements B and D, they do tend to go through some kind of transformational growth, and they often come from humble beginnings.

It's time for your next task.

Arthur could be described as the true hero of this story.

In what ways does Arthur demonstrate this? I would like you to write a short paragraph using evidence from the text to support your reasoning.

Remember, character traits usually associated with heroes include humble beginnings, strength, physical or otherwise, strong moral compass, courage, bravery against adversity, selfless, determined, transformation or growth.

So enjoy writing your short paragraph demonstrating how Arthur could be described as the true hero of the story.

And remember to draw on these character traits which could be associated with heroes.

I'll see you when you finish your task.

Pause the video here.

All right, how did you get on with that task? So Arthur could be described as a true hero in the story.

In what ways does Arthur demonstrate this? Let's see what Alex came up with.

Arthur is not the hero I expected from the text.

However, he demonstrates many heroic qualities.

From the start of the text, he is determined to help his townspeople relight the great fire.

He bravely sets off on a voyage to the land of the Viking gods, where he's tasked by Thor to collect two rare items with which they can craft the golden rope.

Arthur uses his intelligence, wits and strength to defeat Fenrir.

Oh, I love that paragraph, Alex.

I love how you've drawn on evidence from the text and also some of those qualities traditionally associated with a hero.

And I hope you enjoyed writing your paragraphs as well, demonstrating how Arthur is the true hero in this story.

And let's all go forwards and be the true heroes in our own stories.

In our lesson today, exploring characterization in "Arthur and the Golden Rope," we have covered the following.

Characterization is the way an author and illustrator describe and develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.

Authors use a range of methods to convey characterization.

While different stories may portray heroes in various ways, there are some common characteristics and elements associated with heroic figures.

Arthur could be described as the true hero in this story.

His character is not the expected hero, but the one who must take on the role to save his town.

Well done everyone for joining in with this lesson.

I love the way you were exploring characterization, character traits, conveying characterization, and especially I liked the section on heroes.

Well done for writing that paragraph at the end as well.

That was a great ending to the lesson.

I'll see you at another lesson soon.

Bye for now.