Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature in English
Curriculum Theme: Prose Study
Previous Lesson: Themes and Style in “Faceless” by Amma Darko: Critical Analysis and Real-World Connections.
Topic: Examine the Characters (Major)
Subject Matter: Major characters in “Faceless”, roles and significance of major characters, relationships between major characters, discussion and questions and answers session

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Identify the major characters in “Faceless”.
Describe the roles of the major characters.
Explain the significance of each major character to the plot and themes.
Analyze the relationships between the major characters.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the complexity of character development in the novel.
Express personal opinions about the characters’ actions and motivations.
Develop empathy for the challenges faced by the characters.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate actively in class discussions about the characters.
Answer questions accurately about the characters and their relationships.
Collaborate effectively in group tasks to discuss characters.

Respect diverse interpretations and perspectives on the characters.
Work cooperatively with peers during character analysis activities.
Develop communication skills through sharing ideas about characters.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Effective English for Senior Secondary Schools 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Copies of the novel “Faceless”
Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk
Question cards related to characters

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the major characters in “Faceless” helps pupils grasp the story’s themes and plot. It enables them to connect with the narrative and appreciate the author’s message about societal issues.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have read the novel “Faceless” or be familiar with its plot and setting. They should also have a basic understanding of literary terms like ‘character’ and ‘plot’.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Major Characters in “Faceless”

Introduction to Characters

Major characters are central to the story and play significant roles in driving the plot and developing themes. Their actions and decisions have a profound impact on the narrative.

Key Major Characters and Their Roles

Fofo: The protagonist, a young girl who runs away from home and becomes involved in street life. Her role is to represent the struggles of street children and serve as the narrative’s primary perspective.
Maami: Fofo’s mother, who struggles with poverty and neglect, leading to Fofo’s decision to leave home. Her role highlights the challenges faced by single mothers in difficult circumstances.
Odarley: Fofo’s younger sister, who also ends up on the streets. Her role is to show the ripple effect of poverty and neglect on a family and provide Fofo with a sense of responsibility.
Smart: A street boy who becomes Fofo’s friend and protector. His role is to introduce Fofo to the realities of street life and offer companionship and support.
Poison: A dangerous older boy who exploits street children. His role is to represent the threats and dangers faced by vulnerable children on the streets.

Significance of Major Characters

Fofo: Her journey is central to exploring themes of poverty, child abuse, survival, and resilience. She is the voice through which the author conveys the harsh realities of street children.
Maami: Her character highlights the societal pressures and economic hardships that can lead to family breakdown and child abandonment. She symbolizes the difficult choices parents sometimes face.
Odarley: Her vulnerability and dependence on Fofo emphasize the innocence lost by street children and the urgent need for protection and care. She motivates Fofo’s efforts to survive.
Smart: He represents the camaraderie and unexpected kindness that can be found even in harsh environments. His actions show the importance of friendship and mutual support among the marginalized.
Poison: He embodies the predatory nature of some individuals who exploit the vulnerable. His character serves as a stark warning about the dangers lurking on the streets and the loss of innocence.

Relationships Between Major Characters

Fofo and Maami: A strained relationship marked by neglect, misunderstanding, and a longing for connection. Fofo leaves home due to Maami’s inability to care for her, yet still yearns for her mother’s love.
Fofo and Odarley: A strong sisterly bond, despite their separation. Fofo feels responsible for Odarley’s safety and well-being on the streets, demonstrating loyalty and protection.
Fofo and Smart: A friendship based on mutual survival and understanding. Smart acts as a mentor and protector to Fofo, guiding her through the complexities of street life.
Fofo and Poison: A relationship of fear and exploitation. Poison represents a constant threat to Fofo and other street children, highlighting the dangers they face.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Set Induction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall the main characters they encountered while reading “Faceless”. The teacher then introduces the topic: examining the major characters in the novel.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions by mentioning some characters from the novel. They listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.

Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of the novel and prepared for the lesson.

Step 2: Identification of Major Characters

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Identification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify and list the major characters in “Faceless” on the board, ensuring all key characters (Fofo, Maami, Odarley, Smart, Poison) are mentioned.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate by naming the major characters as recalled from their reading of the novel.

Learning Point: Pupils correctly identify the central figures of the novel.

Step 3: Roles and Significance of Major Characters

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of ‘role’ and ‘significance’ in character analysis. The teacher then leads a discussion on the specific roles each major character plays in the story and their importance to the plot and themes.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by explaining what each character does in the story and why they are important, taking notes as the teacher guides.

Learning Point: Pupils understand the functions and impact of each major character.

Step 4: Relationships Between Major Characters

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion about the relationships between the identified major characters (e.g., Fofo and Maami, Fofo and Odarley, Fofo and Smart, Fofo and Poison). The teacher prompts pupils to describe the nature of these relationships.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils describe the various connections and dynamics between the characters, providing examples from the novel to support their points.

Learning Point: Pupils analyze how characters interact and influence each other.

Step 5: Group Discussion/Projects

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Collaboration/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides pupils into pairs or small groups and assigns each group a specific major character or relationship to discuss in more detail, preparing them to share their findings with the class.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work collaboratively in their groups, discussing their assigned character or relationship and preparing a brief summary or analysis.

Learning Point: Pupils deepen their understanding through peer interaction and focused analysis.

Step 6: General Discussion and Q&A Session

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Engagement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher conducts a general discussion, inviting groups to share their findings and answering any questions pupils may have about the characters or their roles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their group’s insights and ask clarifying questions, engaging in a broader class discussion.

Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and clarify any misunderstandings.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Who is the protagonist of “Faceless” and what is her primary role?
Mention two other major characters and describe their roles in the novel.
Explain the significance of Maami’s character to the story’s themes.
Describe the relationship between Fofo and Odarley.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points about the major characters, their roles, significance, and relationships in “Faceless”. The teacher then gives homework: “Discuss the impact of Smart on Fofo’s journey on the street.”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.

Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are given an opportunity for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Fofo – The main character and protagonist of “Faceless”.
Maami – Fofo’s mother, a major character.
Odarley – Fofo’s younger sister, a major character.
Smart – Fofo’s friend on the street.
Poison – A dangerous older boy who exploits street children.
Roles – The functions or parts played by characters in a story.
Significance – The importance or meaning of characters to the plot and themes.
Relationships – The connections and interactions between characters.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to analyze the symbolic meaning of certain characters or predict character developments. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide pre-written character descriptions or use visual aids to help them identify and recall character traits and roles. Pair work will also allow stronger pupils to assist weaker ones.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure pupils have access to the novel “Faceless” and have read the relevant sections before the lesson. Encourage active participation and critical thinking during discussions. Emphasize that character analysis involves understanding not just ‘who’ a character is, but ‘why’ they are important and ‘how’ they contribute to the narrative.