Crafting physical description for malevolent characters
I can effectively craft a physical description of a malevolent character.
Crafting physical description for malevolent characters
I can effectively craft a physical description of a malevolent character.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Physical descriptions of characters shouldn't just be a list of what they look like or the clothes they are wearing.
- Physical descriptions of characters should use carefully chosen vocabulary to allow the reader to infer information.
- Linking physical description to a character's personality can make descriptions more effective.
- ‘Show not tell’ works on implied meanings.
Keywords
Inference - a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
Show not tell - a method used by writers which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information instead of simply telling them directly.
Unyielding - doesn't give in to pressure.
Dishevelled - untidy; disordered.
Implied - suggested but not directly expressed.
Common misconception
Pupils will sometimes overload the physical description of their character and list each individual detail, often using cliches.
Describing every part of a character’s appearance in detail can overwhelm the reader. It's better to provide purposeful descriptions that integrate physical appearance with personality to create an engaging and convincing character.
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
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
a method which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information
suggested but not directly expressed