Exploring characterisation in 'Blackberry Blue' | English

Starter quiz

Who is the author of the text 'Blackberry Blue'?
- 'Jamila Gavin' ✓
Put the following events from the text in order.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  One day, the Woodcutter's wife finds a baby girl in some briars.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Blackberry Blue is adopted by the Woodcutter and his wife.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  The King remarries. Rumours suggest the new Queen is a witch.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  The new Queen's son, Prince Wolf, is rude and disrespectful.
True or false? Prince Just is unkind towards Blackberry Blue.
- True
- False ✓
Match the following words to their definitions.
- parapet
  
  ⇔
  
  a low, protective wall along the edge of a roof ✓
- plaintive
  
  ⇔
  
  sounding sad or mournful ✓
- briar
  
  ⇔
  
  thorny shrub ✓
Which of the following words is closest in meaning to the word foundling?
- twin
- orphan ✓
- parent
When there were fights between the two princes, who did the King side with? Prince Just or Prince Wolf?
- 'Prince Wolf' ✓

Exit quiz

Match the keywords to their definitions.
- characterisation
  
  ⇔
  
  the way an author describes and develops characters within a story ✓
- character traits
  
  ⇔
  
  special qualities that make a character unique and interesting ✓
- role on the wall
  
  ⇔
  
  a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer ✓
Which explanation best describes the term stereotype?
- 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 of the following are character stereotypes that can be found in traditional fairy tales?
- a cruel stepmother, who mistreats the protagonist ✓
- a male protagonist
- female characters in need of rescue by a brave prince ✓
True or false? The new Queen wants Prince Just to reign over the kingdom.
- True
- False ✓
Put the following events from the text in chronological order.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  Blackberry Blue’s spring dress leaves a trail of petals deep into the woods.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Blackberry Blue’s mother makes a dress out of roses, irises, lilies and campion.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  Prince Wolf watches his brother dance with Blackberry Blue a second time.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  A wolf attacks Prince Just. A cloaked figure with a “brambly" cloak saves him.
True or false? 'Blackberry Blue' conforms to all fairy tale character stereotypes.
- True
- False ✓

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Characterisation is the way an author and illustrator develop the personalities and traits of the characters in a story.
Authors and illustrators use a range of methods to convey characterisation.
Stereotypes can often be found in traditional fairy tales.
Stereotypes can include assumptions based on gender, age and culture.
‘Blackberry Blue’ addresses and challenges stereotypes through its storytelling and characterisation.

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that all traditional fairy tales include stereotypes.

Explain that stereotypes are formed as a result of many stories including similar features. Not all traditional tales include them. Stereotypes can also be found in contemporary texts too, which could be explored with pupils.

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
Role on the wall - a character analysis activity which encourages readers to infer
Stereotype - a generalised and often unfair or untrue belief about a particular group of people or things