In this series you will be learning how to analyse a fictional text, whether it is a full length novel that you are studying in detail, a short story, or an unseen extract from a piece of fiction. The unit teaches you the techniques that you will require for detailed analysis of fictional texts, gives you a variety of examples to read and work on, and also tests your understanding by asking you to complete interactive tasks.

As well as helping you to study and analyse fiction, many of the techniques explored in this unit will also be of use in developing your own creative writing.

After looking at the various aspects of fictional text, you will then get the chance to put the skills you have learnt into practice, by looking in detail at an extract from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. Finally, you will learn about planning and writing a short analytical essay, using this particular extract as an example.

The series looks in turn at the following areas:

Analysing Fictional Texts 1 (this unit)

• Terminology - Structure, Imagery, Character
• Genre
• Structure - Narrative Forms
• Viewpoint

Analysing Fictional Texts 2 (coming soon)

• Creating Atmosphere
• Openings - Setting the Scene
• Characterisation
• Exploring Characterisation
• Dialogue
• Dramatic Tension
• Theme and Message

Analysing Fictional Texts 3 (coming soon)

• Detailed Analysis - extract from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens
• Planning an Essay
• Writing an Essay