🕯️ The Canterville Ghost — Characterisation
🕯️ The Canterville Ghost — Characterisation
🏚️ Arrival
🔍 Investigations
👻 Revelation
1
⏱ 3 min
📖 Your Story Begins…
You and your family have just purchased the ancient family home, Canterville Chase.
Lord Canterville, its previous owner, offers a grave warning…
Lord Canterville, its previous owner, offers a grave warning…
Lord Canterville
"We have not cared to live in the place ourselves," said Lord Canterville, "since my grandaunt was frightened into a fit, from which she never really recovered, by two skeleton hands being placed on her shoulders as she was dressing for dinner, and the ghost has been seen by several living members of my family. After the unfortunate accident to the Duchess, none of our younger servants would stay with us, and Lady Canterville often got very little sleep at night, in consequence of the mysterious noises that came from the corridor and the library."
You laugh.
A ghost!
How silly.
A ghost!
How silly.
🧑🏫 Tutor:
Welcome, brave reader. Today we sharpen one of the most useful tools of reading: Characterisation — how writers reveal who a character is through their actions, appearance, possessions, and words.
Your reward for paying attention? You may yet survive the night. Keep an eye on your Fear Meter — every wrong answer raises it. If it reaches 10, the Canterville Ghost finally gets a fright out of the family. (Though all hope is not lost…)
Welcome, brave reader. Today we sharpen one of the most useful tools of reading: Characterisation — how writers reveal who a character is through their actions, appearance, possessions, and words.
Your reward for paying attention? You may yet survive the night. Keep an eye on your Fear Meter — every wrong answer raises it. If it reaches 10, the Canterville Ghost finally gets a fright out of the family. (Though all hope is not lost…)
Characterisation
how writers reveal who a character is through their actions, appearance, possessions, and words.
2
⏱ 5 min
📖 You Are Greeted by the Housekeeper
Upon arriving at Canterville Chase, you are greeted by Mrs. Umney, the housekeeper.
You enter the library, a long, low room, panelled in black oak, at the end of which was a large stained glass window.
There is a large bloodstain by the fireplace!
You enter the library, a long, low room, panelled in black oak, at the end of which was a large stained glass window.
There is a large bloodstain by the fireplace!
In the Library
"How horrid!" cried Mrs. Otis; "I don't at all care for blood-stains in a sitting-room. It must be removed at once."
The old woman smiled, and answered in a low, mysterious voice, "It is the blood of Lady Eleanore de Canterville, who was murdered on that very spot by her own husband, Sir Simon de Canterville, in 1575. Sir Simon survived her nine years, and disappeared suddenly under very mysterious circumstances. His body has never been discovered, but his guilty spirit still haunts the Chase."
The old woman smiled, and answered in a low, mysterious voice, "It is the blood of Lady Eleanore de Canterville, who was murdered on that very spot by her own husband, Sir Simon de Canterville, in 1575. Sir Simon survived her nine years, and disappeared suddenly under very mysterious circumstances. His body has never been discovered, but his guilty spirit still haunts the Chase."
🕯️ Question — Inferring from Word Choices
What do we learn about the housekeeper, from the word choices here?
She smiles and speaks in a "low, mysterious voice".
She smiles and speaks in a "low, mysterious voice".
3
⏱ 7 min
🧑🏫 Tutor:
Remember the useful phrase "to emphasise"? It is brilliant for explanations.
Below is Mrs Umney. Hover or click on the glowing pins — each one reveals a detail of her appearance or habits. From each detail, we can infer something about who she is.
Remember the useful phrase "to emphasise"? It is brilliant for explanations.
Below is Mrs Umney. Hover or click on the glowing pins — each one reveals a detail of her appearance or habits. From each detail, we can infer something about who she is.
👉 Start here. Click the glowing pin to see how to read a character detail. The next pin will appear after you do.
Details discovered: 0 / 4
🪞 Open Question — The Bonnet
"Her bonnet was stored carefully away at the end of a long day."
What can we infer from the word 'carefully'?
Click to speak
🧑🏫 Tutor:
Beautifully done. Remember — every bit of information you are given about a character is important.
Their habits, possessions, actions, and appearance are all clues. A writer never wastes a detail.
Beautifully done. Remember — every bit of information you are given about a character is important.
Their habits, possessions, actions, and appearance are all clues. A writer never wastes a detail.
4
⏱ 8 min
🧑🏫 Tutor:
Below are two versions of the same description. They tell the same story — but the writer's word choices change everything.
🎮 Spot the differences. Read both versions, then click each word that has been changed. Both versions will light up when you find a pair.
Below are two versions of the same description. They tell the same story — but the writer's word choices change everything.
🎮 Spot the differences. Read both versions, then click each word that has been changed. Both versions will light up when you find a pair.
Differences found
0 / 6
🕯️ Version A
A warm breeze rustled the pages of the books, as our eyes followed the ghost. Her voice was like a flute. Her eyes glittered and music flowed! Tip, tap, her feet made twirls in the dust.
🌑 Version B
A cold breeze rustled the pages of the books, as our eyes followed the ghost. Her voice was like a drum. Her eyes gleamed and music pounded! Tap, tap, her feet made slices in the dust.
🎴 Quick Check — Which is the More Positive Description?
Let's explore one difference together…
"A warm breeze" vs "A cold breeze"
warm → connotations of comfort, love, life
cold → connotations of fear, distance, death
✍️ Your Turn — Find a Difference
Pick another pair from the passages above. Complete the sentence below to explore its connotations.
Continue the sentence in the box →
Click to speak
5
⏱ 4 min
🧑🏫 Tutor:
When we compare different characters, this is called Foil Characterisation.
We can learn more about a character through these differences. For example, we can learn that a character is kind, by comparing them to a school bully. Or, we could emphasise how naughty a child is, by comparing them to a strict parent.
And — in ghost stories, we often have those who believe in ghosts… and those who do not!
When we compare different characters, this is called Foil Characterisation.
We can learn more about a character through these differences. For example, we can learn that a character is kind, by comparing them to a school bully. Or, we could emphasise how naughty a child is, by comparing them to a strict parent.
And — in ghost stories, we often have those who believe in ghosts… and those who do not!
Foil Characterisation
When we compare different characters, this is called Foil Characterisation.
🌙 Night falls on Canterville Chase
You all decide to have an early night…
👻 The Hauntings Begin
Can you survive?
The ghost will visit each family member in turn. Watch your Fear Meter — every wrong inference makes the ghost a little bolder…
The ghost will visit each family member in turn. Watch your Fear Meter — every wrong inference makes the ghost a little bolder…
Who will the ghost visit first?
Mr Otis
Locked
The Twins
Locked
Mrs Otis
Locked
Virginia
Locked
6
⏱ 9 min
Mr Otis Meets the Ghost
Mr. Otis was awakened by a curious noise in the corridor, outside his room. It sounded like the clank of metal, and seemed to be coming nearer every moment. He got up at once, struck a match, and looked at the time. It was exactly one o'clock. He was quite calm, and felt his pulse, which was not at all feverish. The strange noise still continued, and with it he heard distinctly the sound of footsteps. He put on his slippers and opened the door. Right in front of him he saw, in the wan moonlight, an old man of terrible aspect, uttering hollow groans, and emitting a ghastly green light. His eyes were as red burning coals; long grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves.
🪦 Find the Semantic Field of DIRT
Click three or more words in the passage below that suggest the ghost is dirty.
an old man of terrible aspect, uttering hollow groans, and emitting a ghastly green light. His eyes were as red burning coals; long grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves.
Found 0 of 3+
🧑🏫 Tutor — Congratulations!
You have found a Semantic Field.
Semantic fields are groups of words that share a similar topic or meaning. You just found a semantic field of dirt.
You have found a Semantic Field.
Semantic fields are groups of words that share a similar topic or meaning. You just found a semantic field of dirt.
🕰️ Now Find the Semantic Field of AGE
Click words that suggest the ghost is very old. (Tip: think old, grey, antique…)
an old man of terrible aspect, uttering hollow groans, and emitting a ghastly green light. His eyes were as red burning coals; long grey hair fell over his shoulders in matted coils; his garments, which were of antique cut, were soiled and ragged, and from his wrists and ankles hung heavy manacles and rusty gyves.
Found 0 of 3
🧑🏫 Tutor:
These words all work together to give an idea about the character. In this case, the ghost seems to have been wandering the Earth for centuries, covered in the filth of the grave…
These words all work together to give an idea about the character. In this case, the ghost seems to have been wandering the Earth for centuries, covered in the filth of the grave…
Mr Otis seems unimpressed.
The Ghost is Insulted
"My dear sir," said Mr. Otis, "I really must insist on your oiling those chains…"
The ghost looks shocked. With a terrible scream he disappears. On reaching a small secret chamber, he leaned up against a moonbeam to recover his breath, and began to try and realize his position. Never, in a brilliant and uninterrupted career of three hundred years, had he been so grossly insulted.
The ghost looks shocked. With a terrible scream he disappears. On reaching a small secret chamber, he leaned up against a moonbeam to recover his breath, and began to try and realize his position. Never, in a brilliant and uninterrupted career of three hundred years, had he been so grossly insulted.
✅ You have passed the first test!
Who will the ghost visit next?
Mr Otis
Locked
The Twins
Locked
Mrs Otis
Locked
Virginia
Locked
7
⏱ 9 min
Breakfast — Mr Otis Is Displeased
"I have no wish," he said, "to do the ghost any personal injury, and I must say that, considering the length of time he has been in the house, I don't think it is at all polite to throw pillows at him,"—a very just remark, at which, I am sorry to say, the twins burst into shouts of laughter.
🪞 Open Question — Word Emphasis
What does the word 'shouts' emphasise about the twins?
Click to speak
👻 The Ghost Plots Revenge
The ghost is planning his revenge for the twins' pranks. He creeps into their room…
A Horror in the Bedroom
But no sooner had he done so than, with a piteous wail of terror, he fell back, and hid his face in his long, bony hands. Right in front of him was standing a horrible spectre, motionless as a carven image, and monstrous as a madman's dream! Its head was bald and burnished; its face round, and fat, and white; and hideous laughter seemed to have writhed its features into an eternal grin. From the eyes streamed rays of scarlet light, the mouth was a wide well of fire!
🧑🏫 Tutor — A Word About Inference:
Remember, when making inferences, don't choose the obvious words. If you are asked "How does the writer make this a frightening sight?", do not just quote 'horrible'. That is the writer telling us, rather than showing. We are not making an interesting inference.
Instead, look at the unusual or interesting word choices.
Remember, when making inferences, don't choose the obvious words. If you are asked "How does the writer make this a frightening sight?", do not just quote 'horrible'. That is the writer telling us, rather than showing. We are not making an interesting inference.
Instead, look at the unusual or interesting word choices.
🔥 Open Question — 'A Well of Fire'
His mouth is a 'well of fire'. What are the connotations of 'well'? Can you link this back to the frightening sight?
Click to speak
👻 Find the Semantic Field of THE SUPERNATURAL
Click three or more words or phrases that belong to the supernatural.
with a piteous wail of terror, he fell back, and hid his face in his long, bony hands. Right in front of him was standing a horrible spectre, motionless as a carven image, and monstrous as a madman's dream! Its head was bald and burnished; its face round, and fat, and white; and hideous laughter seemed to have writhed its features into an eternal grin. From the eyes streamed rays of scarlet light, the mouth was a wide well of fire!
Found 0 of 3+
The Tables Are Turned
The Canterville Ghost was naturally terribly frightened, and, after a second hasty glance at the awful phantom, he fled back to his room, tripping up as he sped down the corridor.
The Twins burst out in laughter. Their scarecrow, made from a curtain, brush, and turnip, had worked better than they had expected…
The Twins burst out in laughter. Their scarecrow, made from a curtain, brush, and turnip, had worked better than they had expected…
Who will the ghost visit next?
Mr Otis
Locked
The Twins
Locked
Mrs Otis
Locked
Virginia
Locked
8
⏱ 8 min
👻 The Ghost's Grand Performance
The ghost is becoming increasingly upset with this terrible family. Why are they not frightened of him? He decided to give his best performance yet…
The Ghost Meets Mrs Otis
The ghost started up with a wild shriek of rage, and swept through them like a mist. He laughed his most horrible laugh, till the old vaulted roof rang and rang again, but hardly had the fearful echo died away when a door opened, and Mrs. Otis came out in a light blue dressing-gown…
"I am afraid you are far from well," she said, "and have brought you a bottle of Doctor Dobell's. If it is indigestion, you will find it a most excellent remedy."
"I am afraid you are far from well," she said, "and have brought you a bottle of Doctor Dobell's. If it is indigestion, you will find it a most excellent remedy."
📣 Find the Semantic Field of NOISE
Click the words that belong to noise.
The ghost started up with a wild shriek of rage, and swept through them like a mist. He laughed his most horrible laugh, till the old vaulted roof rang and rang again, but hardly had the fearful echo died away when a door opened.
Found 0 of 3+
🪞 Quick Recall — What is Foil Characterisation?
🧑🏫 Tutor:
Look at how Mrs Otis speaks. She uses very calm, clear language — "If it is indigestion, you will find it a most excellent remedy." Compare this to the ghost's semantic field of noise!
This further emphasises the ghost's wildness. It also creates quite a funny effect, as it makes the ghost seem rather ineffective and silly.
Look at how Mrs Otis speaks. She uses very calm, clear language — "If it is indigestion, you will find it a most excellent remedy." Compare this to the ghost's semantic field of noise!
This further emphasises the ghost's wildness. It also creates quite a funny effect, as it makes the ghost seem rather ineffective and silly.
The Ghost Flees Again
The ghost glared at her in fury, and began at once to make preparations for turning himself into a large black dog. The sound of approaching footsteps, however, made him hesitate in his purpose, so he contented himself with becoming faintly phosphorescent, and vanished with a deep churchyard groan, just as the twins had come up to him.
Who will the ghost visit next?
Mr Otis
Locked
The Twins
Locked
Mrs Otis
Locked
Virginia
Locked
9
⏱ 9 min
Virginia Meets the Ghost
Miss Virginia E. Otis was a little girl of fifteen, lithe and lovely as a fawn, and with a fine freedom in her large blue eyes. So light was her footfall, and so deep his melancholy, that the Canterville Ghost was not aware of her presence till she spoke to him.
🦌 Find the Semantic Field of INNOCENCE
Click words that suggest Virginia is innocent and pure. (Tip: fawn, blue eyes, light…)
Miss Virginia E. Otis was a little girl of fifteen, lithe and lovely as a fawn, and with a fine freedom in her large blue eyes. So light was her footfall, and so deep his melancholy.
Found 0 of 3+
🐍 Invent a Semantic Field of GUILT
Now you create one. Imagine a guilty version of Virginia. Give one-word answers in each box.
Click to speak
A Tender Moment
"I am so sorry for you," she said, "but my brothers are going back to Eton tomorrow, and then, if you behave yourself, no one will annoy you."
"It is absurd asking me to behave myself," he answered, looking round in astonishment at the pretty little girl, "quite absurd. I must rattle my chains, and groan through keyholes, and walk about at night, if that is what you mean. It is my only reason for existing."
Virginia grew quite grave, and her little lips trembled like rose-leaves. She came towards him, and kneeling down at his side, looked up into his old withered face.
"Poor, poor Ghost," she murmured; "have you no place where you can sleep?"
"It is absurd asking me to behave myself," he answered, looking round in astonishment at the pretty little girl, "quite absurd. I must rattle my chains, and groan through keyholes, and walk about at night, if that is what you mean. It is my only reason for existing."
Virginia grew quite grave, and her little lips trembled like rose-leaves. She came towards him, and kneeling down at his side, looked up into his old withered face.
"Poor, poor Ghost," she murmured; "have you no place where you can sleep?"
The Ghost Speaks
"You can open for me the portals of death's house, for love is always with you, and love is stronger than death is."
The Ghost takes her hand, and guides her across the room… She saw the wall slowly fading away like a mist, and a great black cavern in front of her. A bitter cold wind swept round them. "Quick, quick," cried the Ghost, "or it will be too late," and in a moment the wall had closed behind them.
The Ghost takes her hand, and guides her across the room… She saw the wall slowly fading away like a mist, and a great black cavern in front of her. A bitter cold wind swept round them. "Quick, quick," cried the Ghost, "or it will be too late," and in a moment the wall had closed behind them.
All four have been visited.
Mr Otis
Locked
The Twins
Locked
Mrs Otis
Locked
Virginia
Locked
10
⏱ 10 min
🌙 The Garden of Death
Far away beyond the pine-woods, there is a little garden. There the grass grows long and deep, there the nightingale sings all night long. The cold crystal moon looks down, and the yew-tree spreads out its giant arms over the sleepers.
Welcome to the Garden of Death.
Here, if Virginia can keep her innocence and love alive, she will finally give the Ghost of Canterville a chance to break the curse.
Welcome to the Garden of Death.
Here, if Virginia can keep her innocence and love alive, she will finally give the Ghost of Canterville a chance to break the curse.
🧑🏫 Tutor — Before You Write Your PEE:
Let's quickly check what we have learnt. Three quick questions, and then you'll write your final paragraph.
Let's quickly check what we have learnt. Three quick questions, and then you'll write your final paragraph.
📚 Recap 1 — What is a Semantic Field?
📚 Recap 2 — Best Word to Quote
If asked "How is the ghost made to seem frightening?", which word is the most interesting to quote and explain?
📚 Recap 3 — A Useful Verb for PEE
Which verb is most useful in a PEE explanation, when discussing what a word makes us think?
✍️ Your Final PEE Paragraph
Write a PEE paragraph answering this question:
Question:
How does the writer use foil characterisation to make the Ghost seem wild, by comparing him with Virginia or Mrs Otis?
How does the writer use foil characterisation to make the Ghost seem wild, by comparing him with Virginia or Mrs Otis?
💡 Remember to include:
- Point — a sentence using the words of the question.
- Evidence — a short, embedded quotation.
- Explanation — explore connotations, use the word emphasises, and refer to a semantic field if you can.
Click to speak
The Curse is Broken
The house of Canterville Chase is finally at peace.
🧑🏫 Tutor — Well done, brave reader.
You have explored a character through their actions, appearance, and possessions. You found semantic fields of dirt, age, supernatural, noise, and innocence. You learnt to read by contrast, using foil characterisation. And you wrote a PEE paragraph that links it all together.
Sir Simon de Canterville may rest at last — and the Otises may finally enjoy a quiet breakfast.
You have explored a character through their actions, appearance, and possessions. You found semantic fields of dirt, age, supernatural, noise, and innocence. You learnt to read by contrast, using foil characterisation. And you wrote a PEE paragraph that links it all together.
Sir Simon de Canterville may rest at last — and the Otises may finally enjoy a quiet breakfast.
—
Score
—
Fear Final
+100
XP
✅ What You Learned
Inferring character from a writer's word choices — habits, possessions, actions, appearance.
Finding semantic fields — groups of words that share a topic and work together.
Foil characterisation — comparing characters to reveal more through contrast.
Choosing interesting words to quote — not the obvious ones the writer tells us.
Using the verb "emphasises" in PEE explanations.
Writing a structured PEE paragraph.
🕯️ Your Final Report