1. Year 9 – Short Film
Characterisation is the art of creating characters for a narrative,including the process of
conveying information about them. Characters may be presented by means of description,
through their actions, speech, or thoughts.
Symbolismis a representation that carries a particular meaning. It is a device in literature
where an object represents an idea, thought or feeling. Symbolism can be used as part of
characterisation.
ESSAY QUESTION: Consider how symbolism and characterisation are used in both
Two Cars One Night and The Most Beautiful Man in the World. Write an essay using
PEE paragraphs exploring the ways that characters and symbols have been
constructed in these two films.
Remember to structure your essay; use the plan below as a guide. If you are aiming for A*-B
grades then ditch this plan and create your own wonderful plan instead!
Introduction – remember to include the names of the films and tell me what the question is.
Giving an overview of what characterization and symbolism actually are would be a good thing
here along with telling me the characters’ names.
Paragraph 1 – think about how characters have been constructed through description, what
symbols are used to build up our impression of the characters (remember in a film the
description is visual)
Paragraph 2 – now focus on what you learn about characters through their actions. Do their
actions act as symbols for aspects of their personality?
Paragraph 3 – think about sound, what do characters say or not say that helps us to learn
about them. Do they use metaphor/simile in their speech? (these are forms of symbolism.)
Paragraph 4 – a tricky one; do we learn anything about the characters’ thoughts? How can
you tell what a person is thinking? Think body language here. Also, are there any aspects of
symbolism in the film that show us what the character is thinking.
Conclusion – summary time! Remind me how we have learnt about the characters in each of
these films.Summarise the aspects of symbolism you have discussed, and their overall effect.
Make a judgment; has one film been more successful at characterisation and symbolism than
the other? Why/ why not? Of all of the techniques for creating character, which is the most
successful? What are the most effective aspects of symbolism?
So you want to get an A*? Make sure that you use the following terms correctly in your essay:
Diegetic / Non diegetic (sound)
Camera angle (HCA, LCA, EL)
Camera shot (CU, MS, LS, establishing shot)
Shot composition (POV, perspective, OTS, two shot)
Connotation
Mise-en-scene
Props
Lighting
Costume
You have 2 lessons to write this essay! Plan your ideas first – think about your Ps
before the EEs. Remember to PEEEEEEEEE if you can.
I want it hand written NEATLY on lined paper. It must be spell checked and proof read for
COPS (especially CAPITAL letters and apostrophes)!