New
New
Year 9

Crafting physical description for malevolent characters

I can effectively craft a physical description of a malevolent character.

New
New
Year 9

Crafting physical description for malevolent characters

I can effectively craft a physical description of a malevolent character.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Physical descriptions of characters shouldn't just be a list of what they look like or the clothes they are wearing.
  2. Physical descriptions of characters should use carefully chosen vocabulary to allow the reader to infer information.
  3. Linking physical description to a character's personality can make descriptions more effective.
  4. ‘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.

Guide pupils to select physical traits that not only describe the character's appearance but also hint at their personality or motivations.
Teacher tip

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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6 Questions

Q1.
An adjective is ...
a word that shows action or state of being.
a word that takes the place of a noun.
a word used to connect clauses or sentences.
Correct answer: a word that describes, modifies or gives more information about a noun.
a word that expresses a strong emotion or exclamation.
Q2.
What is a verb?
a word used to describe a noun or pronoun
Correct answer: a word that expresses action, occurrence, or a state of being
a word used to connect clauses or sentences
a word that replaces a noun
Q3.
What is dialogue?
dialogue is a literary device used to describe the setting or environment
dialogue is the use of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings
dialogue is the structure of the plot in a narrative or play
Correct answer: a written or spoken conversational exchange between characters
dialogue is a detailed description of a character's appearance
Q4.
What are the typical characteristics of a malevolent character?
they are sympathetic
Correct answer: they mean to do harm to others
Correct answer: they are often deceptive
they are welcoming
Q5.
A way in which something is usually done or a key feature is known as a ...
Correct Answer: convention, key convention
Q6.
If you read a physical description of a character this means ...
Correct answer: their appearance is being described.
their personality is being described.
their relationship with others is being described.

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to its definition:
Correct Answer:inference,a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Correct Answer:show not tell,a method which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information

a method which focuses on allowing your reader to infer information

Correct Answer:implied,suggested but not directly expressed

suggested but not directly expressed

Q2.
Which of the following is an example of 'show not tell'?
'He was very angry.'
Correct answer: 'His face turned red, and he clenched his fists.'
'He felt mad about what happened.'
Q3.
What should you avoid when describing a character's appearance?
linking physical traits to emotions
using subtle hints
Correct answer: listing every feature of the character
Q4.
How can a character's physical description reflect their emotions?
by describing their clothes
by describing their surroundings
Correct answer: by showing changes in their facial expressions or actions
by telling the reader directly
Q5.
Which description best shows a character's frustration?
Correct answer: 'He sighed and slumped his shoulders, his brows knitted together.'
'He was very frustrated.'
'He kicked a stone angrily, muttering under his breath.'
Q6.
Why is 'show not tell' effective in character descriptions?
it makes the text longer
it provides more detailed background information
Correct answer: it engages readers and allows them to infer meaning
it makes the character more mysterious