Developing a character profile for Lila from 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a character profile for the protagonist Lila.
Key learning points
- The protagonist is a main character or central figure in a story or narrative.
- Lila is the protagonist in the story 'The Firework Maker's Daughter'.
- Character development builds a unique character with depth, personality and motivations that the reader can connect to.
- We can identify Lila's character traits by exploring her experiences and interactions and making inferences.
- Lila displays a range of character traits such as resilience, determination and courage.
Keywords
Protagonist - a main character or central figure in a story or narrative
Character development - the process of building a unique character with depth, personality and clear motivations
Character traits - the special qualities that make a character in a story unique or interesting
Role on the wall - a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to understand the nuanced difference between feelings and character traits.
Distinguish between a temporary feeling and a character trait. Explain that feelings become character traits if they are persistently displayed. E.g. Lila does not always feel frustrated but she has always shown determination.
Teacher tip
Create a shared role on the wall at the beginning of the lesson or allow children to do the activity in groups to share ideas and build Lila's character profile.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the 2018 Penguin Random House UK edition of ‘The Firework Maker's Daughter' by Philip Pullman for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who is the protagonist in 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter'?
Q2.Which relationship is central to the plot of the story?
Q3.Why does Lalchan think that it is inappropriate for Lila to be a firework-maker?
Q4.How did Lila feel when she discovered her father had shared the secret to firework-making with Chulak instead of with her?
Q5.True or false? Lila respected her father's wishes about her future.
Q6.Select the true statements about Lila.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do you identify the protagonist in a story?
Q2.What does character development mean?
Q3.What is a character trait?
Q4.How do we identify a character's traits?
Q5.Which character traits can we infer about Lila from her love of learning about fireworks?
Q6.Which character traits can we infer about Lila from her defiance of her father in pursuit of her dreams?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Developing a character profile for Lila from 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Developing a character profile for Lila from 'The Firework Maker's Daughter', 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 'The Firework Maker's Daughter': reading and diary writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.