Plot Structure and Character Development
Analyse how plot structure unfolds through episodes or key events, and how characters develop, respond to challenges, and change over the course of a narrative — including the relationship between character, setting, and plot
Suggested ages 11–14
Evidence of understanding
- Trace how a character's attitude changes across a story and identify the turning points
- Explain how a specific incident in a drama propels the action or provokes a decision
- Analyse how the setting influences a character's behaviour or the mood of a scene
Assessment prompt
After reading a novel, can Plot Structure and Character Development explain how the main character changed from the beginning to the end — pointing to specific events that caused that change and how the setting shaped who they became?
Standards alignment
RL.6.3
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
RL.7.3
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
RL.8.3
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
Study setting, plot, and characterisation
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3