A creative, character‑focused lesson where students explore Jade’s thoughts and emotions during her first meeting with Maxine, using internal monologue to deepen understanding of voice and perspective.

• Starter on first impressions and meeting new people
• Guided discussion on Jade’s expectations vs. reality
• Exploration of internal monologue as a narrative device
• Writing task: Jade’s internal monologue (short piece)
• Success criteria for voice, emotion, and authenticity
• Reflection questions

Students examine Jade’s first meeting with Maxine, focusing on the tension, uncertainty, and conflicting emotions Jade experiences. Through discussion and modelling, students explore how internal monologue reveals a character’s private thoughts and unspoken reactions.

The main task is to write a short internal monologue capturing Jade’s thoughts during this first meeting. Students aim to reflect her voice, emotional complexity, and sense of being misunderstood or overlooked.

KS3/KS4 English lessons developing narrative voice, empathy, and character understanding through focused creative writing.
**Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.