Perspective refers to the point-of-view or position from which the reader reads, influencing the way events or ideas are portrayed and understood.

Character traits are the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting.

Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.

To convey means to communicate a message directly or indirectly.

Exploring characterisation in 'Escape from Pompeii'

English

In 'Escape from Pompeii: reading’, pupils read and discussed a historical fiction book. In ’Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover: reading’, pupils will read and discuss another historical fiction text and will deepen their understanding of the genre.

In 'The Pebble in my Pocket: reading’, pupils discussed the features of a non-fiction narrative. In ’Escape from Pompeii: reading’, children will broaden their knowledge of genre and read a historical fiction story set during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79CE.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the historical fiction text, 'Escape from Pompeii'. They explore characterisation across the text and build comprehension through rich discussion. Finally, pupils discuss and engage with key themes in the text.

'Escape from Pompeii': reading

Depiction of scary, confusing or unsettling events or characters placed in danger, including creation of a scary atmosphere through the use of music and sound.

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

the special qualities that make a character in a story unique

the way authors describe and develop traits of the characters

to communicate a message directly or indirectly

From whose perspective does the reader experience the text from?

Which type of bones is the game 'Knucklebones' played with?

When they witness the tremors, where do Tranio and Livia both go?

True or False? Tranio and Livia are good friends.

Who had looked after Tranio and Livia after the eruption had destroyed their home?

My friends and I gather in the courtyard, playing games under the sun.

The aroma of herbs fills my kitchen as I prepare a savoury dinner.

Lucas strolls along the cobblestone streets. He greets neighbours.

Izzy tends to her garden. She is nurturing the vibrant flowers.

Which of the following sentences are written in third-person-perspective?

My hands craft pottery, shaping clay into beautiful vases.

The merchant's cart rattles, laden with goods.

I wake up early, prepare breakfast, and head to the forum for work.

The bakery emits a warm, comforting scent of bread.

Which of the following sentences are written in first-person-perspective?

Which **character trait** is shown in the following sentence: Marcus returned the extra coins the merchant gave him.

Which character trait is shown in the following sentence: Despite warnings, Julia refuses to leave her home, determined to protect her belongings.

In which year did Mount Vesuvius erupt that caused Pompeii to be covered by ash, pumice-stone and lava?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring characterisation in 'Escape from Pompeii'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.