Fireweed Character Hot Seat

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Date:

🎯 Learning Objectives

WALT (We Are Learning To): Analyse character choices and emotions in Fireweed

Success Criteria:

I can identify key character choices from text extracts

I can explain why characters made specific decisions

I can use evidence from the text to support my ideas

I can explore how character choices affect the story

📖 Extended Text Extracts

Extract 1 - Julie's Dilemma:

"The warden's voice echoed down the tunnel: 'All children must return to the shelter immediately!' Julie's heart pounded as she looked towards the entrance. She knew she should go back to the shelter, where it was safe, where there were adults to look after her and warm blankets to keep away the cold. That's what a sensible girl would do. But something made her stay. Bill was crouched beside the rubble of what used to be a shop, his face pale and his hands shaking. He looked so young, so lost. She remembered how he'd shared his last piece of bread with her yesterday, how he'd stayed awake all night to keep watch while she slept. Bill needed someone, and she couldn't just leave him alone in the bombed streets of London. Even if it meant risking everything, even if it meant facing the dangers of the blitz without protection. Some things mattered more than safety."

Extract 2 - Bill's Internal Conflict:

"Bill looked at the official's uniform and felt his stomach tighten. The man's clipboard was filled with names, ages, addresses - all the details that could send you back where you came from. 'Name and age, son?' the official asked, his pen poised. Bill could tell the truth about his age and where he came from. He could admit he was only fifteen, that he'd run away from the countryside where he'd been evacuated. But then they'd send him away from Julie, away from the only person who understood him, who didn't ask awkward questions about his past. Here in London, among the chaos and destruction, he'd found something he'd never had before - friendship, purpose, freedom. Yes, it was dangerous. Yes, they were hungry most of the time. But for the first time in his life, he felt like he belonged somewhere. The pen scratched against the paper as the official waited. Bill's mouth felt dry. One lie could keep his new life intact. One truth could destroy everything he'd built with Julie."

1. What choice is Julie facing in Extract 1?

Whether to stay in London or leave

Whether to return to safety or stay with Bill

Whether to find her family or make new friends

2. What choice is Bill considering in Extract 2?

Whether to lie about his identity or tell the truth

Whether to trust Julie or stay alone

Whether to join the army or stay civilian

🔥 Hot Seat Questions

3. For Julie: Why do you choose to stay with Bill instead of going to safety? What does this reveal about your character?

4. For Bill: What are you afraid will happen if you tell the truth? How does this fear influence your decision?

5. How do both characters show courage in these extracts? Give specific evidence from the text.

6. What does each extract reveal about the characters' feelings towards friendship and belonging?

7. Extension: How do these character choices drive the plot forward? What might happen next, and how might their decisions create future conflicts?

💡 Support Strategies:

• Use the word bank: courage, fear, loyalty, survival, friendship, responsibility, sacrifice, belonging, identity, protection

• Dyslexia-friendly: Extracts available in larger font/different background colour

• Work with a partner to discuss ideas before writing

• Challenge: Compare these choices to decisions characters make in other war stories you know