Exploring characterisation in 'Oliver Twist'
I can compare and contrast characterisation within a chapter.
Exploring characterisation in 'Oliver Twist'
I can compare and contrast characterisation within a chapter.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Characterisation is the way text creators describe & develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
- Many of the characters in ‘Oliver Twist’ are complex - they present as kind and helpful when their motives are not.
- Fagin compares Oliver & the Artful Dodger; they both share similar characteristics, but have different personalities.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative.
Character traits do not usually stay static. You could use Fagin as an example of this. His character changes within the chapter as Oliver understands what his real intentions are.
Keywords
Characterisation - Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
Comparing - Comparing involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.
Contrasting - Contrasting involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Oxford University Press edition of ‘Oliver Twist’ written by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jeff Anderson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Victorian London
Oliver Twist
Oliver is orphaned and sent to work in a workhouse.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the way an author and illustrator describe and develop characters
identifying similarities between two or more things
identifying differences between two or more things