Review Plot Structure
Know what characterisation means and why it matters in any novel.
Spot the TWO main types: direct and indirect characterisation.
Find examples of characterisation in Finding Grace.
Before we build characters, we must remember where they live: the Plot Architecture / Plot structure
Every great character travels through specific stages of tension. Without these stages, a character has nowhere to go and nothing to overcome.
Answers on the next slide...
Place the stages of the narrative arc in the correct chronological order.
Place the stages of the narrative arc in the correct chronological order.
How an author reveals a character's personality and traits.
The internal or external reasons behind a character's actions.
The main character who drives the action and faces the central conflict.
A universal pattern or character type that recurs across literature.
- "John was a very angry man."
- "John's knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel, his jaw clenched so tight deep lines formed around his mouth."
Why does the second sentence make us feel John's anger instead of just knowing it?
Characters drive the plot — what they want creates conflict.
We connect with characters emotionally — we care what happens to them.
Characters carry the novel's themes — they show us ideas about life.
In Finding Grace, understanding characters helps us understand the novel's message about empathy and dignity.
The author TELLS you directly what a character is like.
Example:
"Rachel was stubborn and always thought she knew best."
Straightforward — but less interesting than showing.
The author SHOWS you — through actions, words, thoughts, and how others react.
Example:
"Rachel opened the box again, even though she knew she shouldn't."
More powerful — we work it out for ourselves.
Author states traits directly.
Example: 'She was an honest, hardworking student.'
Reader infers traits via S.T.E.A.L.:
- Speech
- Thoughts
- Effect on others
- Actions
- Looks
Watch how professional writers use specific descriptive details and narrative voice to distinguish their characters and make them feel 'real'.
The Big Idea
Authors don't just tell us what a character is like — they show us through carefully crafted details. S.T.E.A.L is a framework for decoding those clues. Great readers learn to spot them; great writers learn to use them.
What a character says — and how they say it — reveals personality, values, and relationships.
Example: A character who speaks in short, clipped sentences may be hiding something.
Access to a character’s inner monologue shows their true feelings versus what they present outwardly.
Example: A character who smiles but thinks, “I can’t stand being here,” reveals inner conflict.
How other characters react to or feel about someone tells us a lot about their influence and presence.
Example: If people go quiet when a character enters the room, they likely hold power or fear.
What a character does, especially under pressure, is the truest indicator of who they are.
Example: A character who gives their last food to a stranger shows selflessness.
Physical appearance, clothing, and body language can reflect personality or circumstance.
Example: A character with paint-stained hands and wild hair suggests a passionate, creative nature.
Protagonist & narrator
18 years old. Just finished school. Thinks she knows everything — at first. Hired to care for Grace. Changes a lot over the novel.
Solicitor & Grace's protector
Mysterious. Hired Rachel. Deeply devoted to Grace. His true connection to Grace is revealed slowly — adding moral depth.
Brain-injured woman
Cannot speak. Seems passive at first. But through "the spooky box" we discover she was confident, ambitious and complex before her accident.
Rachel's university friend
Quirky and confident. Acts as a foil to Rachel — his self-assurance highlights her insecurities and helps her grow.
"Grace had a brain injury. That's just how she was."
Think: Who is telling us this? Directly?
"She was particularly obstinate about not making coffee."
Think: Told or shown?
"Rachel opened the spooky box and read every letter twice."
Think: What does this action show about Rachel?
"Mr Preston visited every Sunday without fail."
Think: What does this action reveal?
Rachel’s Speech — Examples from the Novel
What does this moment reveal about how Rachel’s thoughts about Grace have changed? What does it suggest about Rachel’s character development? Jot down some dot points in the space below.
Effect Examples from the Novel
What does Mr Preston’s belief in Grace reveal about her character? What does his dedication tell us about the effect she has on the people who loved her?
This is revealed through others’ memories of Grace. What does this detail show us about who Grace was? What effect did her personality have on her colleagues?
Action Examples from the Novel
What does this action reveal (show) about Rachel at this point in the novel? Is it simply carelessness, or does it reveal something deeper about her attitude toward Grace?
Compare this action to the bathtub incident. What has changed? What does this shift in action reveal about Rachel’s character arc?
Appearance Examples from the Novel
The opening line introduces Grace through her condition rather than her appearance. What does this choice (to focus on Grace's condition rather than what she looks like) reveal about how Brugman wants us to first see Grace? What is the effect on the reader?
This is a description of the pre-accident Grace. What does this appearance-based description reveal? How does it contrast (how is it different) with the Grace Rachel sees every day?
Characters don't just exist; they want. Motivation is what pushes a character into the 'Rising Action' of a plot.
- Internal: Personal growth, overcoming fear, seeking love.
- External: Surviving an apocalypse, winning a race, saving a friend.
Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to unbelievable destinations. — Ray Bradbury
The MAIN character. The story follows them. Usually changes.
e.g. Rachel — our narrator, changes throughout.
Creates CONFLICT or obstacles for the protagonist.
e.g. Grace's sisters — they get in the way and treat Grace badly.
CHANGES during the story — grows, learns, or breaks down.
e.g. Rachel — her whole attitude changes by the end.
STAYS THE SAME — doesn't develop. Often supporting characters.
e.g. Grace's sisters remain selfish throughout.
CONTRASTS with another character, making their traits stand out more.
e.g. Hiro's confidence makes Rachel's insecurity clearer.
COMPLEX — has many layers, like a real person. Surprising and human.
e.g. Grace — once we discover her past, she is fully human.
In Finding Grace, Brugman characterises [character] as [trait].
This is shown when [quote / action / moment from the novel].
Brugman uses [direct / indirect characterisation / STEAL technique] here.
This tells the reader that [what we understand about the character].
Brugman's characterisation of [character] is [effective / powerful / complex] because...
By using [technique], the author is able to [what it achieves].
This is significant because it develops the theme of [theme, e.g. empathy / dignity / growth].
Overall, I think this technique is [effective / subtle / surprising] because it [makes the reader feel / realise / question]...
In Finding Grace, Brugman characterises Rachel as a curious and growing young woman. This is shown when Rachel opens the spooky box and reads Grace's old letters repeatedly. Brugman uses indirect characterisation here — Rachel's actions reveal her character without the author stating it directly. This tells the reader that Rachel is beginning to see Grace as a real person, not just a job — an early sign of her empathy developing.
How does Brugman characterise Grace in chapters 18–25? Use the ANALYSE steps. Include at least ONE quote or specific moment.
Hints to get you started:
- Think about what Rachel calls Grace — 'Snow White' vs 'turtledove'. Why does it change?
- What does Mr Preston's care for Grace tell us about who she was?
- How does Grace's 'spooky box' reveal her character indirectly?
The way an author builds and reveals who a character is — through what is said, done, thought, and shown.
Direct = TOLD. Indirect = SHOWN. Most skilled authors prefer indirect — it's more powerful and involves the reader.
Protagonist, antagonist, dynamic, static, foil, round. Each type serves a purpose in the story.
Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks. Use these to find evidence of characterisation.
Claim → Evidence → Technique → Effect. Always explain HOW and WHY, not just WHAT.
Judge HOW EFFECTIVELY the technique works. Connect to theme. Give your own reasoned view.
Finding Grace | Alyssa Brugman