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Block 2 · Lesson 4 — Characterisation Pt. 1

11+ Creative Writing Fundamentals · Craft & Technique

📝 This is a lesson blueprint — the plan to build into a full interactive lesson. Adjust and add to it freely.

The Text

Great Expectations

Charles Dickens · 1861

Pip, an orphan raised by his sister and Joe Gargery, longs to become a gentleman after encountering the strange Miss Havisham and the beautiful Estella. The novel explores ambition, shame, class, loyalty, and moral growth.

Activity Ideas

Create a character using STEAL.
Write notes on what the character says, thinks, does, looks like, and how others respond to them.

Key Terms

STEAL — a characterisation method

S speech
T thoughts
E effect on others
A actions
L looks

Characterisation

The way a writer creates and develops a character.

Why This Matters

Characters are not built through appearance alone. Dickens reveals people through their voices, habits, behaviour, social position, and how others treat them. STEAL gives students a structured way to create rounded characters.