Conflict
This type of conflict happens when a character struggles against another character.
What is character vs character
This is the beginning of a story where the characters, setting, and basic situation are introduced.
What is exposition
The narrator of the story is also a character in the story
First person, second person, third person
First person POV
“Marcus was a kind and generous boy who always looked for ways to help others.”
Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?
Direct characterization
“Maria’s smile was a ray of sunshine on a difficult day.”
What does the metaphor literally mean?
Maria’s smile made the difficult day feel happier or more positive.
Two friends both want to be captain of the same team, and their disagreement causes problems between them.
What is character vs character
This is the most exciting or important turning point in the story. The character faces the main problem and undergoes a change because of it.
What is climax
The narrator is outside the story and is only able to tell the thoughts and feelings of one character.
First person, third person omniscient, third person limited
Third person limited POV
Ava's hands trembled as she walked toward the microphone. She took a deep breath and looked at the floor.
Is this an example of director indirect characterization?
Indirect characterization
“His words were arrows, striking the confidence of everyone who heard them.”
What does the metaphor literally mean?
His words were hurtful and made others feel less confident.
A character is afraid to speak in front of the class but must overcome his fear to give a presentation.
What is character vs self
This is the ending of the story where the main conflict is resolved and the story comes to a close.
What is resolution
I grabbed my flashlight and headed into the basement. I knew I probably shouldn't be down there alone, but I needed to find my missing book.
What point of view is used?
First person POV
Ethan studies for a test every night, even though his friends are outside playing. What do Ethan’s ACTIONS reveal about his character?
Ethan is hardworking or responsible.
“The sun warmed the meadow as birds chirped in the trees. Children laughed while they chased butterflies through the tall grass.”
What mood does this passage create?
Cheerful / peaceful / happy
A character is trying to survive a dangerous snowstorm while searching for shelter.
What is character vs character?
A character wants to win a race. She trains for weeks, struggles during the race, and nearly gives up. She decides to keep going, finishes the race, and then celebrates with her family. Which event is most likely the climax?
A. She decides to enter the race.
B. She trains for several weeks.
C. She decides to keep going when she wants to give up.
D. She celebrates with her family.
C. She decides to keep going when she wants to give up
Marcus stared at the locked door. He wondered if the key in his pocket would work. Across the hallway, Jenna watched him nervously.
What point of view is this narrative written in?
Third person omniscient
A character says he wants to help his team win, but when his teammate makes a mistake, he immediately says, "You are the worst soccer player ever!" What do the character’s WORDS reveal about him?
He is selfish, unsupportive, or more concerned with winning than helping others.
“The hallway was dark and empty. A single light flickered overhead as Mia slowly walked toward the closed classroom door.”
What words does the author use to create an eerie or suspenseful mood?
dark, empty, flickered
A character must make a difficult choice between what is easy and what is right. The main struggle is happening within the character.
What is character vs self
A boy discovers that his dog has escaped from the backyard. He searches the neighborhood, asks his friends for help, and finally spots the dog near a busy road. He must decide whether to chase after the dog or find a safer way to rescue it. What is the climax of the story most likely to be?
A. The boy discovers the dog is missing.
B. The boy searches the neighborhood with his friends.
C. The boy must decide how to safely rescue the dog.
D. The boy brings the dog home and reunites with his family.
C. The boy must decide how to safely rescue the dog
Mia opened the door and stepped into the classroom. She wondered whether the other students would like her. She noticed a girl sitting alone in the corner, but she couldn't tell what the girl was thinking.
What POV is used to tell the story?
First person limited POV
At the beginning of a story, Caleb refuses to speak in front of the class because he is afraid of making a mistake. Later, he volunteers to give a difficult presentation because he knows his group is counting on him. What does this change reveal about Caleb?
He has become more confident/courageous and is willing to overcome his fear.
A character is afraid to stand up for a classmate who is being treated unfairly. Although he is nervous, he eventually speaks up because he knows it is the right thing to do.
Which theme is best supported?
A. Courage means never feeling afraid.
B. Doing what is right sometimes requires courage.
C. People should avoid difficult situations.
D. Friends should always defend one another.
Doing what is right sometimes required courage.