Writing to entertain

3. Creating a character

Required Resources

• Student Worksheets 6-7
• Slide 9

Delivery

• Explain that one of the key aspects to any effective writing to entertain is the creation of a well realised character and a consistent mood. It is also important that the character be easily memorable. As such, the task for the remainder of the lesson is to create a character, plan how they would enter a narrative and then produce a first draft of that entrance.
• Divide the class into pairs. Each pair must produce 2 'freeze frames', where each member enacts the posture, actions, expression, and (where possible) the appearance of their stereotyped character. Their partner then has one minute to make and suggest possible phrases for description, using the devices mentioned earlier.
• Explain to students that humour is often derived from a crisis as this gives the character the opportunity to display the kinds of behaviour or reactions we're seeking to parody.
• Students can now begin to develop their character.
• Next students should complete a brief timeline for their narratives, using the template provided on Student Worksheet 7. Display Slide 9 to help explain the BIGCAR narrative structure.
• Remind students to ensure that they use the stereotypical behaviour that we wish to parody during the gathering pace stage and during a crisis resulting from that behaviour.
• Once students have planned their character ask them to create a draft of their characters' entrance into a piece of writing.
• Students should then swap texts and try to make suggestions on how their neighbour's piece could be improved.

Differentiation

Lower Ability:

Lower ability students should use the table on Student Worksheet 6 to help them draft their character.

Higher Ability:

Higher ability pupils could also draft some dialogue between their parodied character and another character.