Characterisation

Characterisation is the range of techniques a writer uses to create and reveal a character to the reader. It includes direct methods, such as describing a character's appearance or stating their qualities. It also includes indirect methods, such as showing their speech, actions, thoughts and how others react to them.

Skilful characterisation lets the reader build a rounded impression of a person without being told everything outright. It often changes across a text as a character develops. Analysing characterisation means examining the specific choices that make a character feel real, sympathetic, threatening or flawed.

Questions on character are common in Literature. Strong answers analyse how the writer creates a character through specific techniques, not just what the character is like. Examiners reward attention to language, action and dialogue as tools of characterisation.

In your own narrative writing, reveal character through action and speech, not flat description. This shows craft and engages the reader.

Instead of stating that a man is mean, a writer might show him counting coins twice and refusing a beggar. His actions reveal his character.

Distinguish between direct and indirect characterisation and pick out the techniques the writer uses, such as speech, action or others' reactions. Explain what impression they build and how the character develops. In your own writing, show character through what people do and say, not by telling the reader outright.

Examiners consistently reward this.

You may also find writing formats and annotated model responses useful. Next, visit our skills guides for IGCSE English to see terms like this used in real answers. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.