Characterisation is the process of creating and developing characters in a literary work. Well-developed characters are essential because they drive the plot, convey themes, and engage readers emotionally.

Techniques of Characterisation

• Direct Characterisation: The narrator directly tells readers about a character's traits.
• Indirect Characterisation: Readers infer character traits through the character's actions, speech, thoughts, and how other characters respond to them.

Steps in Developing Characters

1. Create relatable protagonists: Characters should have qualities young readers can identify with, such as curiosity, bravery, or kindness.

2. Give characters unique personalities: Each character needs distinct traits that make them memorable.

3. Show character growth: Characters should change or learn something throughout the story.

4. Use dialogue and action: Reveal character through what they say and do.

Example

In "Rose and Nunda's Backyard Adventure," Rose is portrayed as a curious child through her actions of exploring the backyard. Nunda is depicted as an adventurous pet through his "expressive gestures and quirky behaviour." These character traits are shown through their actions rather than told directly, making the characters more vivid and relatable.

Plot refers to the sequence of events in a story. A well-structured plot follows a clear pattern that engages readers from the beginning to the end.

Structure of Plot

1. Exposition/Introduction: Introduces the characters, setting, and background information.

2. Rising Action: Builds tension through conflicts and complications.

3. Climax: The turning point or most exciting moment of the story.

4. Falling Action: Events after the climax leading toward resolution.

5. Resolution/Denouement: The conclusion where conflicts are resolved and the story ends.

Types of Plot

• Linear Plot: Events follow chronological order.
• Non-linear Plot: Events are presented out of order (flashbacks, flash-forwards).

Example

Using the textbook structure for "Rose and Nunda's Backyard Adventure":

Conflict is the struggle or tension between opposing forces in a story. It creates interest and drives the plot forward. Without conflict, a story tends to be flat and unengaging.

Types of Conflict

• External Conflict: Struggle between a character and outside forces (other characters, nature, society).
• Internal Conflict: Struggle within a character's mind (moral dilemma, fear, desire).

Examples of Conflict in Literature

• A character versus society (fighting against unfair laws or customs)
• A character versus nature (surviving a storm or dangerous environment)
• A character versus self (deciding between right and wrong)

Using Conflict in Stories

Writers should incorporate conflict that is relevant to their audience and purpose. For children's literature, conflicts often involve:

• Good versus evil
• Consequences of greed or disobedience
• Overcoming fears
• Solving problems through cleverness or kindness

The principles of point of view, characterisation, plot, and conflict are interconnected:

• Point of view determines how we perceive the characters and events.
• Characterisation gives life to the characters who experience the conflict.
• Conflict drives the plot forward and creates tension.
• Plot provides the structure within which characters are developed and conflicts are resolved.

When composing a literary work, writers must consider all these elements carefully, ensuring they work harmoniously together to create a cohesive and engaging story.

Understanding these principles is valuable beyond the classroom. For instance, if you join a school journalism club in Tanzania, you will need to write engaging articles for the school magazine. Applying point of view helps you decide whether to write as a participant ("I attended the science fair") or as an observer ("Students showcased innovative projects at the science fair"). Similarly, when writing a script for a community drama performed at a village cultural event, strong characterisation and clear conflict help convey important messages—such as the dangers of early marriage or the benefits of environmental conservation—to your audience effectively.