Film: A Teenager's Guide to the Bookshelf

1. Do you agree with the claim that we analyse things all the time? Give reasons for your answer.

2. "At its core, analysis is about being observant and trying to understand the book or text as intended by the author." Do you agree with this statement? Is it possible to see something different in a literary work than what the author intended?

3. What is the difference between direct and indirect characterisation?

Select a short story you have read or pick one of the short stories we have here on NDLA. Read it carefully while looking for examples of characterisation. Is direct or indirect characterisation used, or are both present in the text? What impression do you get of the characters?

Write a short text where you describe the characterisation in your chosen text.

By following the link, you can read an excerpt from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling. (This is the American edition of the book, which was first published in English as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone).

Work with a partner, read the text, and discuss what characterisation is found in the excerpt. What is your impression of the different characters?

Link to the excerpt from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on Bookbrowse.com