Introduction
Plot & Action
Plot summary: What happens in Heroes?
Revision activity, Chapters 1–3, Chapters 4–5, Chapters 6–10, Chapters 11–12, Chapters 13–14, Chapters 15–17Chapter 1: Francis returns to Frenchtown
Summary, Why is this important?, Narrative, language and detail, St Jude’s Church, Examiner's tip: Writing about the shadow of warChapter 2: The arrival of Nicole Renard
Summary, Why is this important?, Francis before the arrival of Larry LaSalle, The idea of purity, The social circle, Examiner's tip: Writing about connectionsChapter 3: The horror of war
Summary, Why is this important?, The importance of Nicole, Examiner's tip: Writing about Francis’s experience in the warChapter 4: Meeting with old friends
Summary, Why is this important?, Old friends, Examiner's tip: Writing about heroismChapter 5: the Wreck Centre
Summary, Why is this important?, The loneliness of Francis, Larry LaSalle, Examiner's tip: Writing about the Wreck CentreChapter 6: Francis is recognised
Summary, Why is this important?, Atmosphere, Self-esteem, Dramatic tension, Examiner's tip: Writing about the past and the futureChapter 7: Francis becomes a hero
Summary, Why is this important?, Young Francis grows in confidence, Larry LaSalle’s desire to control, Examiner's tip: Writing about the rivalry between Larry and FrancisChapter 8: The aftermath of war
Summary, Why is this important?, Francis as a narrator, Examiner's tip: Writing about masksChapter 9: War fever hits Frenchtown
Summary, Why is this important?, Patriotism and example, Coming of age, Larry’s influence, Examiner's tip: Writing about Nicole’s effect on FrancisChapter 10: Francis cuts his links with the past
Summary, Why is this important?, A sense of despair, Examiner's tip: Writing about Francis’s injuriesChapter 11: Turning point
Summary, Why is this important?, Larry as a hero and a villain, The innocence of Nicole and Francis, Examiner's tip: Writing about the events in the Wreck CentreChapter 12: Despair
Summary, Why is this important?, Responsibility and blame, Examiner's tip: Writing about religious languageChapter 13: The return
Summary, Why is this important?, The fates conspire, Examiner's tip: Writing about how Larry has changedChapter 14: The final confrontation
Summary, Why is this important?, Does Francis fail once again?, The use of vivid language, Examiner's tip: Exploring the contradictions in Larry’s characterChapter 15: Welcome news
Summary, Why is this important?, The destructive power of the Wreck Centre, Examiner's tip: Writing about Francis as an unreliable narratorChapter 16: The final meeting
Summary, Why is this important?, The change in Nicole, Love or affection?, Examiner's tip: Writing about happinessCharacters
Francis Cassavant
Who is Francis Cassavant?, What does Francis do in the novel?, How is Francis described and what does it mean?, Examiner's tip: Writing about FrancisNicole Renard
Who is Nicole Renard?, What does Nicole do in the novel?, How is Nicole described and what does it mean?, Examiner's tip: Writing about NicoleLarry LaSalle
Who is Larry LaSalle?, What does Larry do in the novel?, How is Larry described and what does it mean?, Examiner's tip: Writing about LarryArthur Rivier and Mrs Belander
Arthur Rivier, Mrs Belander, Examiner's tip: Writing about Arthur and Mrs BelanderJoey LeBlanc and Enrico Rucelli
Joey LeBlanc, Enrico Rucelli, Examiner's tip: Writing about Joey and EnricoOther characters
Dr Abrams, Marie LaCroix, Sister Mathilde and Sister Gertrude, Uncle Louis, Mr Laurier, Louis ArabelleKey Contexts & Themes
Key contexts
The author, The Second World War, Life during the war in America, Setting and place, Examiner's tip: Writing about setting and placeLanguage & Structure
Grade Booster
Understanding the question
Decoding the question, Understand exam language, ‘Break down’ the question, Know your literary language!Sitting the examination
Exam technique, Before you start, Writing your responses, ‘Key words’ are the key!