Character Analysis Deep Dive

Unit: Exploring Concrete Rose

Lesson 2 of 6

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 30 students

Year Group: 10

National Curriculum Links

English Programme of Study: Reading - comprehension
- Comparing texts and analysing themes, characters, and language
- "Maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response"
- "Analyse how writers use linguistic, structural, and presentational features to achieve effects and influence readers"
English Programme of Study: Speaking and Listening
- Listen and respond appropriately to adults and peers
- Use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, and exploring ideas
English Programme of Study: Writing
- Plan, draft, and write narratives, explanations, and responses
- Select vocabulary and grammar for meaning, clarity, and effect

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Analyse Maverick Carter’s character in Concrete Rose, identifying his motivations, challenges, and development. (Reading focus)
Create detailed character maps to organise evidence from the text and infer meaning.
Discuss how Maverick’s experiences highlight broader social themes, particularly regarding family.
Express their understanding through a concise written response linking Maverick’s character to the theme of family. (Writing focus)
Collaborate respectfully in discussion, using textual evidence to support points (Speaking & Listening focus).

Resources Required

Copies of selected excerpts from Concrete Rose focusing on Maverick Carter’s key moments
Large A3 character map templates (one per student or pair)
Whiteboard and markers
Sticky notes
Writing materials (pens, lined paper)
Timer or clock

Lesson Outline

Starter (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and focus thinking on Maverick Carter.

Quickwrite prompt (5 minutes):
On a mini whiteboard or paper, students jot down three words they associate with Maverick Carter based on prior reading.
Peer Share (3 minutes):
Students share their words in pairs and briefly explain their choices.
Whole-class brief discussion (2 minutes):
Collect and cluster words on the whiteboard under headings like ‘motivations,’ ‘challenges,’ and ‘personality traits.’

Main Activity (35 minutes)

Step 1: Textual Exploration (15 minutes)

Distribute selected excerpts illustrating Maverick’s key moments: moments of conflict, decision-making, and reflection (teacher-selected passages from earlier chapters).
In pairs, students read and highlight evidence of Maverick’s motivations, challenges, and growth.
Encourage annotation focusing on language (word choice, tone) and contextual clues relevant to social issues (e.g., family, identity, community pressures).

Step 2: Character Mapping (15 minutes)

Using A3 character map templates, students organise their findings into categories:
- Motivations
- Challenges
- Growth/Development
- Reflection of social issues
Prompt students to add quotes/examples with page references and their own interpretations.
While students work, circulate and prompt deeper analysis with questions such as:
- How does Maverick’s attitude towards family change?
- What societal pressures influence his decisions?
- In what ways do these pressures mirror real social issues?

Step 3: Group Discussion (5 minutes)

Students form small groups of 4-5 to compare character maps and discuss:
- Which motivation or challenge do they think most shapes Maverick’s character?
- How does this reflect the theme of family in the novel?

Plenary / Assessment (15 minutes)

Written response (10 minutes):
Individually, students write a short paragraph (150-200 words) responding to the question:
“How does Maverick Carter’s character represent the theme of family in Concrete Rose?”
Success criteria:
- Use specific examples from the text.
- Explain how those examples relate to broader social themes.
- Demonstrate clear, structured writing with appropriate vocabulary.
Peer feedback (5 minutes):
Exchange paragraphs with a partner for quick constructive feedback focusing on clarity of argument and use of evidence.

Differentiation

For lower-ability learners:
- Provide a partially completed character map with sentence starters.
- Use simplified excerpts or summaries of key moments.
- Pair with stronger peers during discussions.
For higher-ability learners:
- Challenge to incorporate social context explicitly in their written responses (e.g., effects of systemic issues).
- Encourage use of critical vocabulary (e.g., ‘internal conflict,’ ‘societal expectations’).
- Suggest they draw comparisons with other characters or texts previously studied.

Assessment Criteria

Ability to extract and organise relevant textual evidence.
Demonstration of understanding Maverick’s character complexity.
Clarity and coherence in written expression linking character to theme.
Participation in discussion reflecting critical thinking and respect for others’ opinions.

Extension Ideas for Homework

Research: Investigate an aspect of social issues portrayed in Concrete Rose (e.g., fatherhood, systemic inequality) and prepare a brief presentation explaining its significance.
Reflective journal: Write a personal reflection on how family expectations have influenced their own decisions or views.

Teacher Reflection Points

Did students show increasing depth in their understanding of Maverick’s complexities?
Was the character map an effective tool for organising and analysing textual evidence?
How well did students link personal character traits to broader social issues?
Were the peer discussions productive and inclusive?

This lesson plan provides a focused, text-driven exploration of Maverick Carter’s character aligned with the National Curriculum’s emphasis on critical reading, analytical writing, and spoken language skills. The use of character maps deepens engagement, supports diverse learners, and prepares students for subsequent lessons in the unit.

Teaching Instructions