the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story

the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting

a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer

a generalised and often unfair or untrue belief about a particular group of people or things

Exploring characterisation in 'Blackberry Blue'

English

Reading and engaging with 'Blackberry Blue'

Building comprehension of 'Blackberry Blue' through rich discussions

Making connections to 'Blackberry Blue'

In 'Blackberry Blue: reading’, pupils read and discussed a modern traditional tale, exploring its literary influences. In ’Beowulf: narrative writing’, pupils will explore a more complex and classic traditional tale.

In 'Hansel and Gretel: reading’, pupils discussed a modern version of a traditional tale. They discussed and explored the themes of good vs. evil and analysed how the main characters had been presented. In ’Blackberry Blue: reading’, pupils will develop this understanding by reading and exploring a modern fairy tale, discussing its literary influences.

In this unit, pupils read and explore the collection of fairytales, 'Blackberry Blue'. They explore how 'Blackberry Blue' addresses and challenges stereotypes through its storytelling and characterisation. Finally, pupils identify connections in the traditional fairytale, 'Cinderella'.

'Blackberry Blue': reading

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

the way an author describes and develops characters within a story

special qualities that make a character unique and interesting

a flawed protagonist, often with ambiguous morals

a main character or central figure in a story or narrative

a generalised and unfair belief about a particular group of people or things

Which explanation best describes the term **stereotype**?

a cruel stepmother, who mistreats the protagonist

female characters in need of rescue by a brave prince

Which of the following are character stereotypes that can be found in traditional fairy tales?

True or false? The new Queen wants Prince Just to reign over the kingdom.

Blackberry Blue’s spring dress leaves a trail of petals deep into the woods.

Blackberry Blue’s mother makes a dress out of roses, irises, lilies and campion.

Prince Wolf watches his brother dance with Blackberry Blue a second time.

A wolf attacks Prince Just. A cloaked figure with a “brambly" cloak saves him.

Put the following events from the text in chronological order.

True or false? 'Blackberry Blue' conforms to **all** fairy tale character stereotypes.

Who is the author of the text 'Blackberry Blue'?

One day, the Woodcutter's wife finds a baby girl in some briars.

Blackberry Blue is adopted by the Woodcutter and his wife.

The King remarries. Rumours suggest the new Queen is a witch.

The new Queen's son, Prince Wolf, is rude and disrespectful.

Put the following events from the text in order.

True or false? Prince Just is unkind towards Blackberry Blue.

a low, protective wall along the edge of a roof

Match the following words to their definitions.

Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the word **foundling**?

When there were fights between the two princes, who did the King side with? Prince Just or Prince Wolf?

Starter Quiz