Exploring characterisation in 'Blackberry Blue'
I can explore characterisation within a text.
Exploring characterisation in 'Blackberry Blue'
I can explore characterisation within a text.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
- Authors and illustrators use a range of methods to convey characterisation.
- Stereotypes can often be found in traditional fairy tales.
- Stereotypes can include assumptions based on gender, age and culture.
- ‘Blackberry Blue’ addresses and challenges stereotypes through its storytelling and characterisation.
Keywords
Characterisation - the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story
Character traits - the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting
Role on the wall - a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer
Stereotype - a generalised and often unfair or untrue belief about a particular group of people or things
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that all traditional fairy tales include stereotypes.
Explain that stereotypes are formed as a result of many stories including similar features. Not all traditional tales include them. Stereotypes can also be found in contemporary texts too, which could be explored with pupils.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Tamarind edition of ‘Blackberry Blue and other fairy tales’, written by Jamila Gavin with illustrations by Richard Collingridge, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a low, protective wall along the edge of a roof
sounding sad or mournful
thorny shrub
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the way an author describes and develops characters within a story
special qualities that make a character unique and interesting
a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer