Another option when doing character builds is to take a screenshot of a character from a film or advert and get students to imagine more about that person’s life.

Ask students to think about the little old lady, give her a name, think about her family and what she’s going to do today.

Then show them this clip!

Here’s an easy activity to start your lessons with – it’s student-created, gets them communicating and can be used to practise specific grammar points or just as a fun warmer.

Ask for a volunteer to come to the board and tell them they’re going to draw a person, using information that the other students supply.  Ask students questions to “create” the character…

Is it a man or a woman?

Is he tall or short?  Fat or thin?

What’s he wearing today?

Where is he?

What are his hobbies?

Where does he work?

Has he got a pet?

The student at the board needs to incorporate the answers into the drawing and when you have created the character, ask students to tell their partner about the person (and give him a name as well).  You could also prepare some fast finisher cards to hand out to students with extra questions, such as…

Tell me about his daily routine.

What type of music does he like?

Do you think he’ll be famous in the future?

Would you like to be friends with him?