Catch Us If You Can - Characters & Characteristics

Here are the characteristics for the Main characters in the novel Catch Us If You Can for SPM and simple explanations from the text which you can use as your answer.

1. Rory
• Caring/ Loving/ Kind/ Responsible - Takes very good care of Granda, prepares meals, prepares medicine, takes Granda to the doctor
• Pleasant - Easy to make friends and get along with other people
• Loyal to Granda - Believes it is his duty to take care of Granda
• Polite - Knows how to respect other people especially adults
• Honest - Tells the truth to the doctor
• Brave - Not afraid to run away with Granda
• Intelligent - Quick to plan their escape from Rachnadar
• Understanding/ Sensitive/ Considerate - Understands Granda's situation and health condition
2. Granda
• Selfish sometimes
• Senile/ Forgetful
• Proud sometimes
• Stubborn - Does not want to go to Liverpool to meet his son
• Quick-tempered - Angry when he knows they are on the way to Liverpool
• Caring and loving - Takes care of Rory
• Charming and loveable - Knows how to talk with others especially women
• Resourceful - Able to catch fish and steal a car when in need
• Brave - Hit the boy who threatens Rory
• Understanding- Reconciles with his son and his family at the end of the story

Catch Us If You Can - Memorable Event

In SPM, the novel question gives a total of 15 marks (10 for content and 5 for language). The best way to structure your answer is in 5 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 - Answer the question
Paragraph 2 - Point 1 + Evidence
Paragraph 3 - Point 2 + Evidence
Paragraph 4 - Point 3 + Evidence
Paragraph 5 - Conclusion (Summarise all the points and state the lesson you learn from the novel)

Choose an event in the novel you have studies which you find to be the most memorable. Give reasons for your choice and with close reference to the text, discuss the event.

Sample answer

I have read the novel Catch Us If You Can written by Catherine MacPhail. The story is about Rory and Granda running away together from the authority. I want to write about the most memorable event which is The Great Escape.

Firstly, this event is memorable because it shows Rory's love and care towards Granda. Rory loves and always take care of Granda. For example, he packs Granda's stuffs and medicines before they go on their adventure. He also always worry for Granda's health.

Then, this event is memorable because it shows Rory's bravery. Despite being young, Rory is also a very brave boy. He is not afraid being chased by the police and is ready to protect Granda when necessary.

On the other hand, this event is memorable because it shows  Rory's cleverness. Although Rory is still young, he plans the Great Escape alone and manages to break Granda out from Rachnadar without being detected. He is also quick to plan their escape route to evade the authority.

In conclusion, the Great Escape is the most memorable event because it shows how the main character, Rory reacts upon the challenges he faced. The event shows Rory's love and care towards Granda, bravery and cleverness. Therefore, we should always face our challenges bravely and find creative solutions to our problems.

*Provide 5 paragraphs like this and you will find it easy to score your content marks. To get high language marks, use linkers, write variety of sentences and avoid making grammatical mistakes.

Catch Us If You Can - Theme Love

In SPM, the novel question gives a total of 15 marks (10 for content and 5 for language). The best way to structure your answer is in 5 paragraphs.

Paragraph 1 - Answer the question
Paragraph 2 - Point 1 + Evidence
Paragraph 3 - Point 2 + Evidence
Paragraph 4 - Point 3 + Evidence
Paragraph 5 - Conclusion (Summarise all the points and state the lesson you learn from the novel)

How is the theme love shown in the novel you have read? Support your answer with close reference to the text.

Sample answer

I have read the novel Catch Us If You Can written by Catherine MacPhail. It is an interesting novel. One of the main themes of the novel is love.

Firstly, love between a grandparent and a grandchild. Granda loves Rory. For example, Granda has been taking care of Rory ever since his mother passed away and his father walked out of their life. Granda also sees the needs of Rory at school and goes to see his teacher whenever being called.

Next, the theme of love is shown in love between Rory and his friends. Darren and Tyrone are Rory's friends. In example, Darren gives the key of his mother's caravan to Rory in the Great Escape. Meanwhile, Tyrone agrees with her mother to help Rory and Granda in their journey because he could emphatise with Rory and his Granda.

Moreover, the theme of love is shown by the love from the public for Rory and Granda such as Rab and his friends. Rab gives shelter to Rory and Granda knowing that they are in trouble. In addition, Norma and her daughter, Nicola allow Rory and Granda to stay overnight at their house.

In conclusion, the theme of love is shown between the main character, Rory and the people around his such as his Granda, Darren, Tyrone and his family and Rab and his friends. Therefore, we should learn to love each other and appreciate all the love we have.

*Provide 5 paragraphs like this and you will find it easy to score your content marks. To get high language marks, use linkers, write variety of sentences and avoid making grammatical mistakes.