How Does the Author Make the Reader Feel Sympathy for the Character?

Step-by-step approach for Year 6

Underline the key words in the question.
Re-read the relevant part of the extract, focusing on language, not just events.
Pick 2–3 short quotations that help you answer the question.
For each quotation, use PEA: make a point, give evidence, then explain the effect of the language.
Use precise vocabulary like "suggests", "implies", "creates", "emphasises".

Helpful sentence starters

"The author shows this by describing…"
"The word/phrase "_____" suggests/implies that…"
"This makes the reader imagine/feel…"
"This creates a sense of… because…"
"Overall, this language helps to show…"

What to look for

Descriptions of unfair situations or difficult backgrounds.
Inner thoughts that show worries, hopes or secrets.
Dialogue where other characters are unkind or supportive.
Vulnerable actions ("she hesitated", "he shuffled forwards").

Step-by-step worked example

Example question

How does the author make the reader feel sympathy for Tom?

Short extract

Tom stood at the edge of the playground, clutching his broken backpack strap. He kept his eyes on the ground, hoping no one would notice the rip in his jumper.

Step 1 – Make a sympathy point. Start with a sentence like: "The author makes the reader feel sorry for Tom."
Step 2 – Pick evidence. Choose details such as "clutching his broken backpack strap" and "hoping no one would notice the rip".
Step 3 – Explain what this shows. Explain that these details suggest Tom is embarrassed and worried about what others will think.
Step 4 – Link to the reader. Say that readers feel sympathy because they understand how uncomfortable and left-out Tom feels.

Putting it all together

The author makes the reader feel sympathy for Tom by showing how embarrassed he is. Tom is "clutching his broken backpack strap" and hoping that no one will notice the rip in his jumper. These details suggest that he is worried about being judged and wants to hide his situation, which makes the reader feel sorry for him and hope that someone will be kind.

Model paragraph

The author makes the reader feel sympathy for Aisha by showing that she is trying her best even though nobody believes in her. The phrase "her voice came out as a whisper" makes her seem small and unsure, so the reader wants her to succeed. This gentle description encourages us to feel protective towards her.

Exam tip

Try to write in full sentences rather than bullet points in the exam. However, using this structure to practise at home will help you remember how to build clear, analytical paragraphs.