Signpost Definitions
When you see words, phrases or actions repeated, it is this kind of signpost.
What is Again and Again
In Harry Potter, Dumbledore gives Harry wisdom about how to deal with his powers. What signpost is this?
What is Words of the Wiser
Why does this keep showing up again and again?
Why is this memory important?
What is Again and Again and Memory Moment
When there is a conflict between two characters
What is Person Vs Person
How the reader feels about the written work
What is mood
When a character has a flashback or remembers something from the past that makes their story a little more clear, it is this kind of signpost.
What is Memory Moment
In Tangled, when Rapunzel sees that her flag is the same as the flag of the kingdom she realizes she is the princess.
What does this question make me wonder about?
What is Tough Question
When there is a conflict between a character and a force of nature
What is Person Vs Nature
The main message, moral, lesson of the story
When an older character gives a younger character advice or wisdom, it is this kind of signpost.
What is Words of the Wiser
In the book Holes, Mr. Sir continually tells the kids over and over again that it isn't a girl scout camp. This shows that his character is tough and not very nice.
What’s the life lesson and how might it affect the character?
What is Words of the Wiser
When you say the opposite of what you feel
What is Verbal Irony
The author's attitude about the piece of writing
What is Tone
When a character realizes, figures out or finally understands something.
What is an Aha Moment
In Harry Potter, when Hermione lies to protect Harry.
What is contrast and contradictions
How might this change things?
What is Aha Moment
When the outcome of a situation is different than what was expected
What is situational irony
The problem that needs to be solved in a story
What is Conflict
When a character does or says something that they would not normally do, it is this kind of signpost.
When a character asks themselves a difficult question, not yes or no.
What is contrast and contradictions and tough question
In Hatchet, when Brian remembers his parents getting divorced and explains how he knew his mother's secret.
What is a memory moment
Why would the character act, think, or feel this way? Why is the character saying that?
When the reader knows more than the characters
What is Dramatic Irony
The type of character that grows and changes
What is Dynamic