GCSE Literature Revision for Heroes

1. The structure of the novel
Cormier planned the novel to be
presented to the reader in a certain
order. This is not in chronological
order on purpose. Why? What reason
would you give?
• Creates sympathy for Francis?
• Explores his background fully?
• Creates tension or a narrative hook
for the reader who learns about
how the chain of events happens
slowly through the chapters?

2. Analysing the structure – why did the
author use a non-linear narrative
structure?
non-linear = not in a line i.e. not as events
happen chronologically
What are the benefits of not telling the events
as they happen?
2 minutes think time…

3. Non-linear narrative
Use of flashbacks
• The narratives moves from the present to the past to the present
again
• The reader can build a fuller picture of the main characters
(protagonists) Francis, Nicole and (antagonist) Larry
• We need the flashbacks to show us how the characters have
changed and developed over time ( and which events have changed
them)
• We could say the flashbacks reflect the different sides to Francis;
light-hearted/deeply depressed. He seems innocent/feels guilty/he
takes action or cannot change events.
• The past events build to Chapter 12; the confrontation with Larry is
Chapter 14.
• Suspense for the reader is built as details are revealed and slow the
action down; the reader is kept guessing about why Francis wants
to kill Larry and then whether he does actually kill him

4. Rearrange and
reassemble:
(Rank order)
Which of these 9
flashbacks has
the most impact
on the outcome
of the novel?
Write a PEE
chain on this
with supporting
evidence.

5. Example paragraph
I think chapter 11 is the most important chapter as this is
where the reader finally understands why Francis feels so
much guilt and has so much hatred for Larry LaSalle.
Francis is filled with guilt for not protecting Nicole from
Larry and suffers her looking at him with “my betrayal of
her in her eyes”. This shows Francis is feeling heartbroken
as he says “it’s amazing that the heart makes no noise
when it cracks”.
The reader knows how he loves Nicole as pledges his
“loyalty” to her when he first sees her. This is why he
wants to kill Larry to avenge Nicole’s honour.

6. Plan your five points in order of how
the events happen in the novel
How does Robert Cormier create
sympathy for the character of Francis in
Heroes?

7. How does Robert Cormier create sympathy
for the character of Francis in Heroes?
Francis is the narrator but what events
shape the reader’s sympathetic view of
him?
• He is injured, lonely and damaged by
physically and emotionally
• He returns to explore his past experiences
• Through his experiences we explore the theme
of heroism
• Through his experiences we explore the
emotional vulnerability of young adults
• His love for Nicole
• War veteran
• Innocence is shattered by Larry and War
• Tragic status – suicidal
• Responsibility and guilt
• Fails to kill Larry in the end proving he is a
good character

8. How does Robert Cormier create sympathy
for the character of Francis in Heroes?
Reduce down to five main points
1. He is injured, lonely and damaged
2. War veteran – other characters
sympathy for him – theme of
heroism
3. Tragic status – suicidal and full of
despair because his innocence is
shattered by Larry and War
4. Responsibility and guilt alongside
determination to get revenge
5. Structure of the novel highlights how
he has been altered by the events of
war and Larry’s betrayal

9. Complete the quotes grid by matching the quotes with the point.
Point Quotation
He is injured, lonely and damaged
War veteran – other characters
sympathy for him – theme of
heroism
Tragic status
Responsibility and guilt alongside
determination to get revenge
Structure of the novel highlights
how he has been altered by the
events of war and Larry’s betrayal

10. Complete the quotes grid:
• add which character says the line.
• what is happening at that moment?
• why it is significant to the novel?
Quotation
“the war is over and I have no face”p1
“Poor boy”p5
“survived another night, endured the dreams and the memories again,”P29
“The curiosity is softened with sympathy.”p31
“Poor all of us I think.”p66
“You’re too hard on yourself.”p108
“the heart makes no noise when it cracks”p91
“I had no defence.”p94
“the worst sin of all: despair.”p97
“My betrayal of her in her eyes.”p90
“as if all my sins had been revealed”p95

11. Self Assessment
What makes a good whole text character answer?
• Well structured – use the structure of the novel
to help you order your points to show you
understand the plot
• Use evidence to support points – embed them
into your points
• Discuss your ideas
• Answer the question