Caricature: GCSE English Definition

What is a caricature?

In GCSE English Literature, a caricature is a highly exaggerated representation of a character, often used for comic effect.

Why do writers use caricatures?

Writers use caricatures to exaggerate the specific traits of a character to ridicule particular flaws for comic effect. Caricatures are often very memorable characters which helps to reinforce the writer’s message and make it more powerful.

Examples of caricatures

In An Inspector Calls, the playwright J.B.Priestley presents Arthur Birling as a caricature of a capitalist businessman to exaggerate and ridicule Birling’s greed and immorality, which reinforces Priestley's moral and socialist message. 

In the novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses caricatures to provide comic relief and  criticise the self-importance of characters like Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr Collins. 

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer’s use of caricatures, including how to incorporate analysis of caricatures into your essays, by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes 

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.