Explain how the author uses descriptions and connotations to portray positive or negative evaluations of a character.

I assume that the students will be reading a book for their GCSE qualification. For example, I read Holes. An answer based on this book could include the following:Before the Warden was formally introduced in the book, a character description was given. Sacher describes a woman with long red nails who polishes them with rattlesnake venom. The colour red often has connotations of danger and panic. This could install fear and imply that this is a brutal, powerful woman. Rattlesnake venom reinforces her severity, as playing with poison is a dangerous activity which could end badly. The fact that this woman chooses to polish her nails with this suggests that she is fearless, and therefore should not be messed with. The Warden is not given a name until later on in the book. Providing a sense of anonymity could evoke mystery, suggesting that she has an elite power and is not on the same authoritative level as the boys. Gender stereotypes would assume that it would be a man who would fulfil this position of power and dominance, therefore, to have a woman in this role could add to her respectability. Particularly, as Holes was based in Texas in the late 20th century, women were definitely less equal with men. This could impose the idea that the Warden has fought her way to the top, possessing "man-like" qualities such as ruthlessness and fierceness. Therefore, this portrays her as a ferocious woman who is not afraid to use her power to get what she wants. This could make people weary of her.