Character Traits
What are character traits?
What the character says or does
What are story elements?
The core elements of a story consist of characters, setting, plot, conflict, theme, and point of view
What are context clues?
Context clues are hints or bits of information hidden within a sentence, paragraph, or passage that help a reader understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word
What is "the plot" of a short story?
The sequence of events in a story
What does conflict mean?
In literature, conflict is the central struggle or problem between two opposing sides.
Why are character traits important?
To better understand the story
Why are story elements important?
Knowing the elements of a story is important because it gives you a way to comprehend and analyze what you read or write.
Name a time that we use context clues in class:
When analyzing vocabulary, making inferences about characters, predicting what will happen next.
What is the first element of a plot?
The exposition
When do differences become a conflict?
Differences become a conflict the exact moment they stop being disagreements and start causing friction, opposition, or a struggle for control.
What is a character trait of Goodman?
Ordinary, likeable, defensive, vulnerable, target, main character, suspicious
What was the setting in "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street?"
a peaceful, American suburban neighborhood called Maple Street, U.S.A. on a late Saturday afternoon
You need to have something about an American neighborhood, the street name, or Saturday afternoon
Use context clues to analyze the meaning of the word ecstatic:
"Even though the rest of the family was absolutely ecstatic about the surprise trip, laughing and packing their bags in a frenzy, Liam remained completely miserable, refusing to even look up from his phone."
"laughing and packing their bags in a frenzy"
overwhelmingly happy, thrilled, or intensely excited.
What is the last element of a plot?
The resolution
Name a conflict from Act 1
An excellent example of a conflict in Act 1 occurs when the neighbors confront Les Goodman after his car mysteriously starts by itself.
What is a character trait of Charlie?
paranoid, accusatory, hot-headed, impulsive, aggressive, bold, hypocritical
The main conflict in Act 1 of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" is a young boy named Tommy who plants the idea that hidden alien invaders are hiding among the neighbors in human form.
What does the word "dense" mean in this sentence:
"How come you're so dense all of a sudden?
unable to understand something simple
How does the conflict impact the plot in a story?
The conflict is the essential problem that disrupts the characters' lives and forces them to take action.
Explain what message is suggested about society and conflict from this play.
Act 1 suggests that society is fragile and that conflict easily erupts when fear and paranoia cause people to turn on each other.
How does dialogue shape character traits?
Dialogue serves as the tool for revealing a character's true personality and motivations without the author needing to state them directly.
Would you say that Act 1 ends in a cliffhanger? Why or why not?
A cliffhanger is part of the story that leaves you hanging, or confused/anticipating what might happen.
Yes, because the act ends with the community completely divided and terrified, staring at Les Goodman as he desperately tries to defend his innocence.
What is the definition of idosyncrasy?
An uncommon way that a person acts or thinks
Summarize the plot from Act l of "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street"
Act 1 of "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" begins on a peaceful afternoon that is suddenly disrupted by a strange flash of light and a loud roar. Instantly, a total power blackout hits the neighborhood, disabling all electricity, cars, and communication. A young boy named Tommy sparks panic by suggesting that hidden alien spies disguised as humans caused the outage. Suspicion turns to fear when Les Goodman’s car mysteriously starts on its own, making him the primary suspect. The act ends with the paranoid neighbors forming a mob and surrounding a defensive Les.
Why were the people in this play so paranoid?
The people on Maple Street became so paranoid in Act 1 due to a toxic combination of isolation, fear of the unknown, and the psychological impact of a scapegoat.