Empathetic

Questions

All must: Understand what an empathetic question is.

Most should: Being able to complete task 1

Some could: Finish the overall empathetic question.

Learning objectives

Definition of empathy The power of understanding and

imaginatively entering into another person's feeling.

So what is an empathetic question? A question in which you have to put

yourself in the mind of the character and write their thoughts and emotions at a certain point in a novel.

It’s fictional writing however you must follow the story line and refer to past events.

You can make subtle differences but do not change the events in the book.

Anticipate Characters’ Reactions Take past events into consideration. Setting and Weather linked to

emotion. Character’s personality – How would

they respond? Consider relationships with other

characters. Their current situation. How they have reacted to past

situations.

How to answer an Empathetic Question.

Referencing past events of the novel

This is incorporating past events of the novel into your writing. This enhances character voice and shows your understanding of the novel.

“I feel scared. More scared than I was when I was being chased by the crow.”

Fear, comparison, understanding...

Referencing past events of the novel TASK: Write your own short example (a

couple of sentences) for any character in the novel, where you reference a past event in the novel. You

have 3 minutes

to do this.

Remember to ask if

you are stuck.

Character’s voice Character’s voice is the characteristic speech and thought patterns of

a first-person narrator; a persona. This is one of the most important elements of a piece of writing.

Examples:1. “Mummy is getting married to Mr Hooper today”

2. “You don’t have a Father. You are rubbish.” Hooper mocks. “Fathers are way better than Mothers! You don’t have anything.”

Childish language e.g. Mummy, rubbish. Childlike reaction. Petty anger. Simple. Short sentences. Abrupt. Changes thoughts easily. Teasing remarks e.g. bringing up Kingshaw’s lack of a father figure.

Strategies to create voice:(Pre exam planning) Annotate a scene from the book to pick out language and

structure the author uses to present the character then use it in your own work.

Establish what your character’s personality is.(In exam planning) Quickly re-read scenes with your character speaking to

other characters so you can remind yourself how they interact.

Write a mind map or list of words and phrases the character uses.

Try to write something that would not look out of place in the book.

Now your turn! You are Edmund Hooper. You are in the

forest during the storm. Write your thoughts.

You have 10 minutes then we will hear

some examples .

Summary Remember; Put yourself in the character’s shoes Look through the characters eyes Speak through the characters voice Reference past experiences Anticipate reaction