Literature in English JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Age: 12 years

Topic: Characterization and Plot in Drama

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define characterization and plot in drama.
2. Identify the main characters in the recommended drama text and analyze their traits.
3. Explain the plot structure of the recommended drama text.

Keywords

• Characterization
• Plot
• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Conflict
• Climax
• Resolution

Set Induction

Begin the lesson by discussing students’ favorite characters in movies or books. Ask them why they like these characters and how their traits influence the story.

Entry Behaviour

Students should already understand basic literary terms like character, setting, and theme from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Copies of the recommended drama text
• Whiteboard and markers
• Character analysis worksheets
• Plot diagram (for visual representation of the drama’s structure)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review previous discussions on theme and setting, linking them to how characters and plot drive the story forward in drama.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills

Content

1. Characterization

• Definition: Characterization refers to the way characters are presented and developed in a drama. It includes their physical appearance, actions, dialogue, thoughts, and relationships with other characters.
• Types of Characters:
  • Protagonist: The main character, often the “hero” or central figure.
  • Antagonist: The character or force in conflict with the protagonist.
  • Minor Characters: Other characters who support the development of the plot.
• Example: In the recommended drama, the protagonist is [insert name], who faces challenges related to [insert main conflict].

2. Character Traits

• Discuss the traits of the main characters in the drama.
• Example: The protagonist is brave and determined, while the antagonist is cunning and manipulative.

3. Plot

• Definition: The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It includes:
  • Exposition: The introduction of characters, setting, and background information.
  • Rising Action: The events that build tension and lead to the climax.
  • Climax: The turning point or most intense moment in the story.
  • Falling Action: The events following the climax that lead to the resolution.
  • Resolution: The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.
• Plot Structure:
  • Use a plot diagram to visually represent the events in the recommended text.
  • Example: In the recommended drama, the climax occurs when [insert key moment], and the resolution is achieved when [insert how the conflict is resolved].

4. Characterization and Plot in the Recommended Text

• Identify key characters and analyze their roles in the development of the plot.
• Discuss how the protagonist’s actions move the plot forward and how the antagonist creates obstacles.

Evaluation

1. The _____ is the main character in the drama.
   • a) plot
   • b) protagonist
   • c) climax
2. The character who opposes the protagonist is called the _____.
   • a) antagonist
   • b) hero
   • c) resolution
3. The plot is the sequence of _____ in a story.
   • a) characters
   • b) events
   • c) conflicts
4. The turning point of the story is called the _____.
   • a) climax
   • b) exposition
   • c) resolution
5. The protagonist in the recommended drama is _____.
   • a) [Insert character’s name]
   • b) the setting
   • c) the conflict
6. The character’s traits are shown through their _____ and actions.
   • a) setting
   • b) dialogue
   • c) conflicts
7. The _____ introduces the characters and setting of the story.
   • a) rising action
   • b) exposition
   • c) climax
8. After the climax, the story moves towards the _____.
   • a) resolution
   • b) conflict
   • c) rising action
9. A brave and determined character is often the _____.
   • a) antagonist
   • b) protagonist
   • c) resolution
10. The _____ is the part of the story where the conflict is resolved.
    • a) rising action
    • b) resolution
    • c) exposition
11. Minor characters are important because they help develop the _____.
    • a) theme
    • b) plot
    • c) setting
12. The antagonist’s role is to create _____ for the protagonist.
    • a) solutions
    • b) conflicts
    • c) setting
13. The events leading to the climax are called the _____.
    • a) rising action
    • b) exposition
    • c) falling action
14. Character traits can be revealed through _____.
    • a) setting
    • b) dialogue
    • c) conflict
15. The protagonist often learns a _____ by the end of the story.
    • a) theme
    • b) lesson
    • c) setting

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is characterization?
   Characterization is the way characters are developed and presented in a story.
2. Who is the protagonist?
   The protagonist is the main character around whom the plot revolves.
3. What is the role of the antagonist?
   The antagonist opposes the protagonist and creates obstacles in the story.
4. How are character traits revealed in drama?
   Through dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters.
5. What is a plot?
   The plot is the sequence of events in a story, including conflict, climax, and resolution.
6. What is the exposition in a plot?
   The exposition introduces the characters, setting, and background information.
7. What happens during the rising action?
   The rising action includes events that build tension leading up to the climax.
8. What is the climax of a drama?
   The climax is the most intense moment in the story, often a turning point for the protagonist.
9. What is the resolution in a plot?
   The resolution is the conclusion where conflicts are resolved.
10. What is the significance of minor characters?
    Minor characters support the development of the plot and themes.
11. How does the protagonist move the plot forward?
    Through their actions and decisions, the protagonist drives the story toward its climax.
12. What is an example of a conflict in the recommended drama?
    [Insert conflict related to the recommended text].
13. How can we analyze a character’s traits?
    By examining their actions, words, and relationships with other characters.
14. What is the purpose of the falling action in a plot?
    The falling action leads to the resolution, wrapping up loose ends after the climax.
15. Why is the antagonist important in a drama?
    The antagonist creates tension and challenges for the protagonist, driving the conflict.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher reviews the basic definitions of characterization and plot.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the characters in the recommended drama text and explains their roles.
3. Step 3: Students analyze the plot of the drama, identifying key moments such as the exposition, climax, and resolution.

Teacher’s Activities

• Guide students in identifying the main characters and their traits in the drama text.
• Explain the plot structure and help students map it out on a plot diagram.
• Facilitate class discussions to deepen understanding of characterization and plot.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions about the characters and plot.
• Complete the character analysis worksheet.
• Work in groups to map out the plot structure of the recommended drama.

Assessment

• Group presentations on the main characters and plot of the drama.
• Individual completion of a plot diagram worksheet.
• Quiz on characterization and plot based on the recommended text.

Ten Evaluation Questions

1. What is the role of the protagonist in the recommended drama?
2. How does the antagonist create conflict for the protagonist?
3. What is the climax of the recommended drama?
4. How is the protagonist’s character revealed through their actions?
5. What happens during the exposition of the drama?
6. How does the rising action build tension in the plot?
7. What is the resolution of the drama?
8. Who are the minor characters, and what role do they play in the plot?
9. How does the protagonist’s personality influence the plot?
10. What lesson does the protagonist learn by the end of the drama?

Conclusion

The teacher concludes the lesson by highlighting the importance of understanding characters and plot in drama. Students are encouraged to think about how these elements contribute to the overall message and themes of the story. The teacher goes around to review students’ work and provides necessary feedback.