Character Types
A character has only one of two important personality traits and is not very complex.
What type of character is this?
Flat
The words kind, impatient, brave, and selfish describe what about a character?
character traits, personality
What is the sequence of events that happens in a story called?
What two things does setting tell the reader about a story?
Where and when the story takes place.
What is the struggle or problem that a character faces in a story called?
Conflict
A character learns to be more responsible after making several mistakes. The character changes throughout the story.
What type of character is this?
Dynamic
Maya notices that a new student is sitting alone at lunch. She invites the student to sit with her and introduces them to her friends.
What character trait does Maya demonstrate?
Kindness, friendliness, or compassion
What part of the plot introduces the main characters, setting, and basic situation?
Exposition
A story takes place in a small town during the winter of 1950.
Identify the two parts of the setting.
Where: a small town
When: winter, 1950
A student must decide whether to tell the truth about accidentally breaking a classroom computer or blame someone else.
What type of conflict is this?
Internal conflict (Man vs. self)
A story includes a neighbor who appears only briefly and is described only as a grumpy person. The reader learns very little about the neighbor.
Is this character flat or round?
Flat
An author writes, "Marcus slammed his book shut, crossed his arms, and refused to speak."
What can the reader infer about Marcus's feelings?
He is angry, frustrated, or upset.
After losing her map, a hiker faces a storm, a damaged bridge, and a nearly empty water bottle. These events make the problem more difficult.
What part of the plot is this?
Rising action
A character is stranded outside during a blizzard. The roads are covered in snow, and help cannot reach them.
How does the setting affect the story?
The harsh weather creates danger and makes the character's problem harder to solve.
A girl argues with her best friend because they disagree about how to complete a group project.
What type of conflict is this?
Man vs Man
A character is confident at school but insecure about friends, makes mistakes, and struggles with difficult decisions.
What type of character is this?
Round
Instead of directly stating that a character is nervous, an author describes the character tapping their foot, biting their nails, and avoiding eye contact.
What technique is the author using?
Indirect characterization (showing through actions and behavior)
During a championship game, the score is tied. With only seconds left, the main character takes the final shot that determines the outcome.
What part of the plot is this most likely to be?
Climax
A character hears thunder, sees dark clouds, and watches trees bend in strong winds.
What can the reader infer about the setting?
A storm is approaching or already happening.
A group of students protests a school rule that they believe is unfair.
What type of conflict are they experiencing?
Man vs. society
A character has a complicated personality, with strengths and weaknesses, but never changes their beliefs or behavior throughout the story.
Which two character types describe this character?
At the beginning of a story, Liam refuses to work with others. Later, he listens to his teammates, shares ideas, and apologizes when he makes mistakes.
What character trait does Liam develop, and what type of character is he?
Cooperation or open-mindedness; dynamic character
After solving the main problem, the characters return home, explain what they learned, and begin rebuilding their lives.
What two plot elements might these events represent?
Falling action and resolution
Two friends want to meet after school, but one lives in a remote area without transportation, and the other lives in a busy city.
Explain how their different settings might affect their experiences.
Their environments affect transportation, access to places, and how easily they can meet. Answers may vary.
: A camper becomes lost in the woods, runs out of food, and must survive freezing temperatures while struggling with fear and exhaustion.
Identify two types of conflict in this situation.
Man vs. nature
Man vs. self