Exploring characterisation in 'Oliver Twist'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare and contrast characterisation within a chapter.
Key learning points
- Characterisation is the way text creators describe & develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
- Many of the characters in ‘Oliver Twist’ are complex - they present as kind and helpful when their motives are not.
- Fagin compares Oliver & the Artful Dodger; they both share similar characteristics, but have different personalities.
Keywords
Characterisation - Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator describes and develops the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
Comparing - Comparing involves identifying similarities between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.
Contrasting - Contrasting involves identifying differences between two or more things, ideas, themes or texts.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that character traits remain fixed throughout the narrative.
Character traits do not usually stay static. You could use Fagin as an example of this. His character changes within the chapter as Oliver understands what his real intentions are.
Teacher tip
List some traits of Oliver and the Artful Dodger to support less-confident readers. They can then decide whether these are similarities or differences. Before the following lesson, read Chapters 5 and 6. Children can read independently or have this read to them.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Oxford University Press edition of ‘Oliver Twist’ written by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jeff Anderson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who is the author of the original source material that 'Oliver Twist' is based on?
Q2.'Oliver Twist' is set during which time period?
Q3.Match the following information from reading Chapter 1.
Victorian London
Oliver Twist
Oliver is orphaned and sent to work in a workhouse.
Q4.What is meant by the word slums?
Q5.True or False? Oliver had a positive upbringing.
Q6.Who chose Oliver's surname?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a 'wipe'?
Q2.Why were embroidered handkerchiefs not desired by Fagin?
Q3.True or False? Oliver initially believes that the boys have stolen the items they are showing Fagin.
Q4.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the way an author and illustrator describe and develop characters
identifying similarities between two or more things
identifying differences between two or more things
Q5.Who does Fagin say for Oliver to look up to as a role model?
Q6.Which of the following is Fagin compared to within the chapter?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Exploring characterisation in 'Oliver Twist', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Exploring characterisation in 'Oliver Twist', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'Oliver Twist': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.