Lesson plan:

Narrative: plots

This is the first episode in the second series of Round the Twist. As with the first series (see Skeleton on the Dunny), and many other television series, there are three types of sub-plot to each episode of Round the Twist.

1. the continuing narrative. This is a storyline that runs throughout the series and is developed further in each episode. In Round the Twist the continuing narratives include Mr Twist's plans to marry Ms James (Fay) and Bronson's resistance; Mr Gribble's election campaign; and the mystery of the ghosts which keep appearing.
2. the recurring narrative. This is a storyline which is repeated in a different way in each episode. As in the first series the recurring narratives in the second are Mr Gribble's attempts to develop the area for tourism and the conflict between Pete Twist and young Gribble.
3. the episode narrative. Each episode has a narrative which is introduced, developed and resolved within that episode. In this first episode this narrative concerns Linda's hypnotism of Pete. This first episode establishes some elements of the recurring narrative as well as presenting the episode narrative. The continuing narrative of the marriage plan is established in Copy Cat, the second episode of this series.

Class discussion

Ask students to identify the different storylines or sub-plots in the episode

• Which are resolved within the episode and which are unresolved?
• Why might the program creators have created mysteries or storylines which are unresolved within the episode? This can lead on to a discussion of marketing and techniques used to encourage audiences to watch the next episode in a series.

Discuss examples of continuing and recurring narratives from other television programs. Ask students to suggest examples from their favourite programs.

Characterisation

The character of Mr Gribble offers a useful opportunity to study the creation of character and the way in which audiences are encouraged to respond to characters. Mr Gribble is based on common stereotypes of the self-serving aspiring politician.

Class discussion

Discuss the way in which the character has been created to be so dislikable. What things which people generally disapprove of does he do and say which makes him so dislikable?

Apply the same methods to the characters of young Gribble, Tiger and Rabbit. Note especially their body language.

Individual activity

Students could use the techniques studied to create their own unsympathetic character.