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Block 2 · Lesson 5 — Characterisation Pt. 2

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

The Story of Doctor Dolittle

Hugh Lofting · 1920

Doctor Dolittle gives up treating people to become a doctor to animals, learning to speak their many languages. He sails to Africa with his animal friends to cure a terrible epidemic among the monkeys.

Activity Ideas

Use STEAL to show a character’s kindness or selfishness without directly stating it.
Focus especially on actions and effect on others.

Key Terms

Indirect characterisation

Revealing personality through behaviour, dialogue, thoughts, appearance, or reactions rather than direct explanation.

Moral character

The qualities that show a person’s values, such as generosity, courage, vanity, or cruelty.

Contrast

Placing different characters, settings, or ideas beside each other to highlight differences.

Why This Matters

Character is often revealed through actions rather than description. Doctor Dolittle’s kindness shows in how he treats and cares for the animals around him, not in what he says about himself. Students learn how actions and effects can reveal inner qualities.