Setting and Story Events

Definitions

100

What is the setting in a story?

When and Where the story takes place

200

What are story events?

What happens in the story--In the beginning, the middle, and the end

300

What is the PROBLEM in the story?

What goes wrong

400

What is the Solution in the story?

How the problem is fixed

500

What is a character trait?

It describes what a character is LIKE

Setting

100

Crack! The storm raged as the men scrambled around the deck, bracing equipment. The pirate captain wrestled with the wheel. The mighty ocean tossed them to and fro. He began yelling at the men over the noise of the storm, "Argh! We must bring down the sails men! You and you… bring them down!" He called out to a pirate wearing a striped sweater and another one with a bandanna. WHERE is this story taking place? HOW do you know?

It is taking place on a pirate's ship in the middle of an ocean. I know this because it says "the pirate captain" and it talks about "the mighty ocean tossed them to and fro."

200

Dr. Zavares tightened the final screw on his contraption. He tossed the wrench on the workbench with a thud. The beakers in the center of the room bubbled with activity. "Computer," he announced to the empty room, "Zavares needs a lemonade." A beeping and grinding noise could be heard in the distance and then a small robot floated into the laboratory with a glass of lemonade on a platter. WHEN is this story taking place? HOW do you know?

It is taking place in the future. I know this because it talks about robots that can do things for people.

300

Dr. Zavares tightened the final screw on his contraption. He tossed the wrench on the workbench with a thud. The beakers in the center of the room bubbled with activity. "Computer," he announced to the empty room, "Zavares needs a lemonade." A beeping and grinding noise could be heard in the distance and then a small robot floated into the laboratory with a glass of lemonade on a platter. WHERE is this story taking place? HOW do you know this?

This story is taking place in a science laboratory. I know this because it talks about a doctor who is creating a robot.

400

Alex shut the lid to his laptop with a loud clap. Some of the people sitting at the tables near him looked up from their books and gave him annoyed looks. Alex realized that he had disturbed them and held up his hand apologetically. The librarian turned toward him and shushed him loudly, perhaps louder than the noise that he had made. Alex put the laptop in his bag and began walking toward the door. He held his head down low. Where is this story taking place? How do you know this?

This story is taking place in a library. I know this because they use the word "librarian" and Alex has study materials, such as a laptop. There are also people sitting at tables with books.

500

Susan was jumping up and down in excitement. They were going to Cici's Pizza for dinner! She loved Cici's! They have the best dessert pizza around. When is this story taking place? How do you know?

This story is taking place at dinnertime at Cici's in the night. I know this because it says Susan was eating at Cici's for dinner and most dinners are eaten at night.

Story Events

100

How does the setting affect Will?

Will's personality changes depending on where he is and who he is with.

200

What is the conflict in "The Fight"?

The conflict is that Mike challenges Will to a fight and Will is too proud to admit he doesn't want to fight.

300

What is the setting of "The Fight"?

The setting is school when Will is in eighth grade

400

What is the resolution of "The Fight"?

Will gives up the fight and popularity along with it.

500

During lunch I was sitting with a tableful of friends, talking and listening in my usual superior way, when I heard......

What does this tell you about Will in "The Fight"?

Will is arrogant/conceited/stuck up.

Miscellaneous

100

About much older is Will in "The Fight" than he is in "Popularity"?

About 4 years

200

How does Will's personality change from the first story to the second? (Besides becoming popular)

Will is desperate and lonely, and then he is condescending/rude.

300

Why does Will not fight back?

Will feels like he deserved it for the way he had been treating everyone.

400

How does Will feel about losing his popularity?

Will feels relieved.

500

What could a possible theme for "The Fight" be?

Be careful what you wish for - it might actually come true and not be what you thought it would be.