The Highwayman - Lesson 3 - Characterisation Worksheet

In this characterisation worksheet designed for the study of the poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes, students are tasked with delving into the intricacies of the poem's characters. The worksheet begins with a prompt for students to read the fourth verse and record their initial impressions of the character Tim, using specific words or phrases from the text to support their descriptions. This exercise encourages close reading and attention to the language used to portray characters within the narrative poem.

The second part of the worksheet requires students to write a paragraph analysing how Alfred Noyes crafts the characters of the highwayman, Bess, and Tim through a combination of description, dialogue, and action. Sentence starters are provided to guide students in their analysis, prompting them to consider how Noyes' literary techniques contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters. The activity is designed to enhance students' analytical skills and their ability to interpret and discuss literary characters, as well as to appreciate the author's skill in character development.