Crafting malevolent characters
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain and apply the key conventions a writer uses to craft a malevolent character.
Key learning points
- A writer can use key conventions to craft a malevolent character in their writing.
- These conventions include: physical description, dialogue, and other characters' reactions.
- The contrast between dialogue and action can be used to imply a character is malevolent subtly.
- Bram Stoker's Count Dracula is a classic malevolent character.
Keywords
Malevolent - having or showing a wish to do evil to others
Convention - a way in which something is usually done or a key feature
Craft - the deliberate and skilful process of creating a written piece of communication
Malicious - the desire to harm others
Common misconception
Malevolent characters are always obviously and outwardly evil characters.
Ask pupils whether they can think of any characters from literature where their malevolence is implied or not explicitly stated at first. These characters are often dangerously deceptive.
Teacher tip
It might be helpful to have a list of characters or prompts from texts pupils have previously read to draw on prior knowledge for Learning Cycle 1.
Equipment
You will need an extract from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' which is available in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a simile?
Q2.What is a metaphor?
Q3.What is a contrast?
Q4.What are the connotations of something which is described as 'sharp'?
Q5.What does it mean to be deceptive?
Q6.What do we call the main character in a story?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How does dialogue typically reveal a malevolent character's true nature?
Q2.Which word is not associated with malice or malevolence?
Q3.How does Dracula's dialogue in the extract from 'Dracula' contrast with his actions to reveal his true nature?
Q4.Are deception and dishonesty characteristics of a malevolent character? Select the most appropriate response.
Q5.Why is physical description useful when describing a malevolent character?
Q6.A pupil said, 'dialogue is useful in illustrating a character's underlying malice.' Select the answers below which would be an appropriate response to the pupil.
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Crafting malevolent characters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Crafting malevolent characters, 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 3 English lessons from the Malevolent characters: fiction writing unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.