Identity and characterisation in 'No Country'
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore characterisation in a graphic novel.
Key learning points
- Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
- Readers can tell lots about characters through their appearance, dialogue, their actions and how they are depicted.
- Pages with no text can be called wordless (these can also be referred to as ‘silent’).
- Having explored the characters in greater detail, readers can make predictions about what might happen next.
Keywords
Characterisation - the way an author describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story
Character traits - the special qualities that make a character in a story unique and interesting
Body language - the way people communicate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions through their movements and gestures without using words
Prediction - an educated guess, based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
Common misconception
Pupils may find thinking and speaking in role as the father or Beatrice challenging.
Drama activities, such as 'thought tapping' or 'hot seating' may be useful to provide pupils with examples of thoughts and speech.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to spend time exploring the pages of graphic novels. Many will have smaller details which can give valuable insight into the characters, setting or plot of the narrative.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2021 David Fickling Books edition of ‘No Country’, written by Joe Brady and illustrated by Patrice Aggs, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
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