Character Study Creation

Overview

This two-session plan (2 x 50 minutes) is designed for S1 students (Year 7) to develop their analytical and creative skills by exploring the character of Parvana from The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. Students will engage deeply with character analysis to prepare them for critical essay writing, while developing literacy skills aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Literacy and English experiences and outcomes.

Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes (CfE - Level 3/4)

ENG 3-19a: I can convey all essential information clearly and organise my ideas in a way that will engage my reader.
LIT 3-19a: I can discuss the impact of the writer’s use of descriptive and figurative language.
LIT 3-20a: I can explore the way characterisation, events and settings interact and influence each other.
LIT 3-04a: I can identify and discuss themes and conventions across a range of writing.
LIT 3-11a: I can select ideas and relevant supporting detail, organise them in an appropriate way for different types of writing, and use suitable vocabulary, sentence structures and persuasive devices.
LIT 3-28a: I can discuss the impact of layout, organisation and presentation on the reader, and apply what I learn to my own texts.

Learning Intentions

To explore and understand Parvana’s character through textual evidence.
To develop skills in selecting, organising, and presenting information creatively.
To enhance ability to write critically and analytically about characters.
To foster student autonomy and ownership of learning by leading the creation of a character study poster.
To combine visual and textual elements effectively to communicate understanding.

Success Criteria

Students identify key traits, challenges, and growth in Parvana’s character.
Students use direct quotations from the text to support their ideas.
Students demonstrate creativity and clarity in their posters.
Students work collaboratively and use feedback to improve their work.
Students can articulate why Parvana is an interesting and complex character.

Resources Needed

Copies of The Breadwinner (either excerpted chapters or the entire book)
Large A2 poster paper per group or individual
Colouring materials: markers, coloured pencils, crayons
Sticky notes or index cards for planning
Example character analysis templates (simplified)
Whiteboard or flipchart for mind-mapping
Projector or screen for demonstrating examples
Quote banks (prepared by teacher with important quotes about Parvana)
Printouts of character traits vocabulary

Session 1 (50 minutes)

1. Starter (10 minutes)

Engagement Question: Write on board: “What makes a character interesting?”
Students brainstorm in pairs, then share ideas with the class.
Record key ideas on whiteboard (e.g. challenges faced, personality, change over time, relationships).
Introduce Parvana briefly: her background, setting (Afghanistan), and main struggles.

2. Guided Exploration (15 minutes)

Share a short selected passage focusing on Parvana’s character (e.g. a scene that shows her courage or dilemma).
Model reading aloud and annotating the text: highlight descriptive language, feelings, actions.
Discuss as a class what this reveals about Parvana’s personality and motivations.
Introduce character study elements: appearance, feelings, development, key quotes, challenges.

3. Planning Poster Content (15 minutes)

In groups of 3-4, students brainstorm ideas about Parvana based on the book and the passage.
Provide sticky notes/index cards so groups can write down key character traits, important quotes, and ideas for images.
Teacher circulates and prompts with open questions such as:
- How does Parvana change throughout the story?
- Which quotes show her courage or hardship?
- What kind of pictures could we draw to show her character?

4. Organising Ideas (10 minutes)

Each group organises their sticky notes into sections for their poster (e.g. Traits, Quotes, Images).
Teacher demonstrates a simple layout on the whiteboard: a balanced mix of drawing and text.
Encourage students to think about combining visuals (symbols, drawings) with quotes to express understanding.

Homework / Preparation for next session

Invite students to read more from the book or review their notes to prepare ideas for the creative poster.

Session 2 (50 minutes)

1. Starter Recap (5 minutes)

Quick recap of previous session’s key points.
Briefly revisit the question: “Why is Parvana an interesting character?”

2. Poster Creation (35 minutes)

Students create their character study posters.
Emphasise mixing written analysis with artwork:
- Include at least 3 direct quotes with explanations.
- Use different fonts or colours to highlight important words.
- Draw symbolic images representing Parvana’s character traits or story arc.
Teacher provides feedback during the process:
- Suggest more analytical writing.
- Encourage creativity and neat presentation.

3. Gallery Walk & Peer Feedback (10 minutes)

Students display posters around the room.
Conduct a gallery walk where students leave positive comments and constructive suggestions on sticky notes.
Facilitate a brief class discussion about which portrayals helped deepen understanding of Parvana.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative: Observation during discussions, planning activity, and poster creation. Use questioning to gauge depth of understanding.
Summative: Evaluate the final poster using a rubric assessing:
- Use of textual evidence (quotes)
- Insight into character traits and development
- Creativity and presentation
- Clarity and organisation of ideas
Provide written and verbal feedback focusing on strengths and next steps for critical essay writing.

Differentiation

Provide reading support (simplified excerpts, audiobooks) for learners with literacy difficulties.
Challenge higher ability students to include analysis of Parvana’s symbolic significance or cultural context.
Allow choice of working individually or in groups to suit different learning preferences.

Extension Ideas

Write a short paragraph or plan for an essay based on their poster.
Compare Parvana to another character from a different novel or film.
Use digital tools (if available) to create a multimedia poster.

This plan is designed to empower students to lead their learning while building essential critical and creative literacy skills consistent with Curriculum for Excellence guidelines, ensuring meaningful engagement with The Breadwinner and preparing for analytical essay writing.

Teaching Instructions