Plot
This part of a story introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation.
Exposition
The central character whose goals and choices drive much of the story.
Protagonist
What two basic things does setting tell us about a story?
Time and Place
A struggle that takes place inside a character’s own mind is called this.
Internal Conflict
A narrator who uses “I,” “me,” and “my” is usually telling the story from this point of view.
First Person
These events build tension and complications as the main character moves toward the climax.
Rising Action
A character who changes significantly because of the events of the story is called this.
Dynamic Character
Besides time and place, name one other aspect of setting that can influence a story.
Possible answers: culture, social environment, historical context, weather, geography, or economic conditions
A student must decide whether to tell the truth and risk losing a friend. What type of conflict is this?
Character vs. Self
A narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of only one character while using “he,” “she,” or “they.”
Third-Person Limited
This is the turning point or moment of greatest tension in a story.
Climax
When an author reveals a character through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and reactions rather than directly describing them, what technique is being used?
Indirect Characterization
A story takes place in an isolated cabin during a blizzard. How could this setting affect the plot?
It could create isolation, danger, limited escape, and increased conflict.
A teenager challenges an unfair school rule that everyone is expected to follow. What type of conflict is represented?
Character vs. Society
What is the difference between a topic and a theme?
A topic is a broad subject; a theme is a message or insight about that subject.
A story begins with a character running from a burning building, then goes back three hours to explain what happened. What technique is being used?
Flashback
A character refuses to ask for help even when doing so would solve the problem. What might this reveal about the character?
Possible answers: pride, independence, insecurity, stubbornness, fear, or distrust
How can setting contribute to mood?
Details such as weather, lighting, sounds, surroundings, and time can create an emotional atmosphere.
A hiker is trapped during a severe snowstorm and must survive until help arrives. What type of conflict is this?
Character vs. Nature
A character lies to become popular, loses the trust of close friends, and eventually admits the truth. Suggest a possible theme.
Possible answer: Honesty is necessary for genuine relationships.
Why is the climax not always the final event in a story?
The climax is the major turning point; falling action and resolution usually come afterward.
Explain the difference between a character trait and a character’s motivation.
A trait describes what a character is like; motivation explains why the character acts or makes certain choices.
Explain how changing the setting of a story could change the conflict or a character’s choices.
Setting creates limitations, opportunities, expectations, and pressures that influence events and decisions.
How can an external conflict create or intensify an internal conflict?
An outside problem can force a character to struggle with emotions, beliefs, or decisions.
Why might two readers identify different themes in the same short story and both be correct?
A text can support multiple interpretations if each interpretation is supported with strong evidence.