The best characters in books and on screen are the ones we believe are real people. To create believable characters, writers and directors need to imagine them as real people — with families, friends, histories, dreams, fears, secrets, likes and dislikes, and so on. As the reader or viewer, we don’t necessarily see this backstory, but it’s there, driving the way characters behave, their beliefs, and their decisions — moving them forward through the story.
To better understand the language and structure of this text type, examine the following character description as a class.
Percy Boy, a ten-year-old Aboriginal boy, might stand small in stature, but he's unmatched in speed—a fact he proudly shares with anyone who'll listen. Determined to earn his new running shoes, he's set his sights on winning school races and earning money from his early morning job. Percy skilfully avoids the Wolf Pack bullies until he forms an alliance with Keithy and Daisy, inadvertently making himself and his friends their new target. Guided by his Grandad, Percy not only faces his bullies but also encounters the Lost Souls, teaching him to overcome his fears, embrace humility, and realize the value of helping others.
After reading this exemplar together, ask students to write a description of another Windcatcher character. They should reflect on what they observed and felt while viewing the film and include details and sensory language to capture the character fully. Students may also like to give the character a ‘they-call-me' name, like Windcatcher (Percy).
- Keithy Cobb
- Daisy Hawkins
- Aunty Cressida
- Aunty Prue
- Pop
- Constable Kennedy
- Ben Duncan (leader of the Wolf Pack)
