This book is a superb all-in-one guide to success GCSE English Language and English Literature - GCSE English 2003

Questions About Characters
Section Five — Stories and Novels

Character Questions Are the Examiner’s Favourite

Questions about characters are the most popular.

It's pretty obvious why, really — characters act out the story, and shape the plot.

Their actions and experiences are what stories are all about — they come into everything.

You need to be able to write about them confidently if you want to get good marks.

Make Sure You Prepare For Character Questions

Make revision notes on these things for the texts you're studying — then you'll be sorted for any exam question on characters. Not all of these will apply to all stories — pick the ones that fit best.

This ISN'T so you can pre-plan essays — that's ridiculous. You can't tell what the questions will be. It's just so that you've prepared the background, and have the best possible chance.

Don’t pre-plan SPECIFIC essays — just learn your stuff

It's not that hard to gather together some information about particular characters. If you do, it means you'll have a much better chance of getting to the heart of an exam question quickly and efficiently.