Holly King-Mand is the nation's favourite English teacher. Thousands of students join her free online lessons during the Covid-19 lockdown. She enjoys both reading Shakespeare's plays and helping her students to learn how to write. Now she is answering her students' questions and offering them some advice.

From David:

Tip 1 Use clever names

Well, quite often Shakespeare gives information about what a character is like through their names. For example, lovestruck Romeo's name means a person being romantic and kind Benvolio can be nice and friendly. Now think what you can call a character who is angry all the time?

From Sarah:

Tip 2 Try metaphors（暗喻）

Shakespeare was a fan of metaphors. A metaphor is a way of comparing one thing with something else to show ideas, feelings, places and more. In the play As You Like I, he writes, "All the world is a stage（舞台）and all the men and women only players. "What do you think he means by comparing the world to a stage？

Do you want to write like Shakespeare? Put your question here, or write to Holly at hollysclass@hotmail.com.

From Steven:

Tip 3 Make up words

Eyeball. Lonely. Unreal. All these words were made up by Shakespeare. If you have an idea that you can't think of a word for, be like Shakespeare and invent your own. If you want to create words that mean something and may stand the test of time, try creating words like this: breakfast+lunch = brunch. And you can start with making up words for everyday things in your home.

A. What's a quick way to understand the characters?

B. How can I express my ideas and feelings in a lively way?

C. What's the first thing I have to do if I want to write a play?

D. What should I do if I can't find a proper word to describe something?