New
New
Year 9

Crafting malevolent characters

I can explain and apply the key conventions a writer uses to craft a malevolent character.

New
New
Year 9

Crafting malevolent characters

I can explain and apply the key conventions a writer uses to craft a malevolent character.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A writer can use key conventions to craft a malevolent character in their writing.
  2. These conventions include: physical description, dialogue, and other characters' reactions.
  3. The contrast between dialogue and action can be used to imply a character is malevolent subtly.
  4. Bram Stoker's Count Dracula is a classic malevolent character.

Common misconception

Malevolent characters are always obviously and outwardly evil characters.

Ask pupils whether they can think of any characters from literature where their malevolence is implied or not explicitly stated at first. These characters are often dangerously deceptive.

Keywords

  • Malevolent - having or showing a wish to do evil to others

  • Convention - a way in which something is usually done or a key feature

  • Craft - the deliberate and skilful process of creating a written piece of communication

  • Malicious - the desire to harm others

It might be helpful to have a list of characters or prompts from texts pupils have previously read to draw on prior knowledge for Learning Cycle 1.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need an extract from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' which is available in the additional materials.

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).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a simile?
Correct answer: a figure of speech that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'
a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things
giving an object human like characteristics
Q2.
What is a metaphor?
giving an object human like characteristics
when you exaggerate or overstate something
Correct answer: when you compare two things using the verb 'to be'
Q3.
What is a contrast?
Correct answer: a similarity
a difference
either a similarity or difference
Q4.
What are the connotations of something which is described as 'sharp'?
Correct answer: painful
Correct answer: dangerous
Correct answer: cruel
ineffective
Q5.
What does it mean to be deceptive?
to be straightforward and honest
Correct answer: to hide or misrepresent the truth
to be uncertain or indecisive
to show a lack of awareness
Q6.
What do we call the main character in a story?
Correct answer: the protagonist
the first character
the antagonist

6 Questions

Q1.
How does dialogue typically reveal a malevolent character's true nature?
by being overly honest and transparent
Correct answer: by being charming while hiding malicious intent
by being humorous and light-hearted
Q2.
Which word is not associated with malice or malevolence?
spitefulness
ill feeling
bitterness
vindictive
Correct answer: sympathy
Q3.
How does Dracula's dialogue in the extract from 'Dracula' contrast with his actions to reveal his true nature?
he speaks harshly and acts kindly
Correct answer: he speaks sweetly but acts coldly
he speaks honestly and acts truthfully
Q4.
Are deception and dishonesty characteristics of a malevolent character? Select the most appropriate response.
Correct answer: being deceptive and dishonest implies someone is malevolent and can't be trusted
dishonesty and deception are positive qualities that imply a character is smart
sometimes deception and dishonesty can be used for good without realising
Q5.
Why is physical description useful when describing a malevolent character?
Correct answer: it can create vivid mental images that helps the reader understand the character
physical description always shows malevolence
it can show contrast in their character
Q6.
A pupil said, 'dialogue is useful in illustrating a character's underlying malice.' Select the answers below which would be an appropriate response to the pupil.
Correct answer: Dialogue can sometimes be used to build on the actions of a character.
Writers should always use descriptions to show malice, not dialogue.
Dialogue is only useful if more than one character is speaking.

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