Abstract
This paper reports on part of a study investigating how the representation of the father character, Frank Heffley, is constructed through semantic preference in the first five volumes of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. By using concordance analysis to analyze corpus data with the use of Sketch Engine, the study identifies semantic preference reflecting recurring themes associated with this parent. Results reveal six key themes which illustrate Frank Heffley as a complex figure who is caring and protective but also strict, and occasionally disconnected from his children due to generational differences. The paper concludes by proposing practical implications for English language study, English language teaching and literary analysis.
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