Amigo Brothers
Where is the story set, and how does this setting connect to the boys’ lives?
(Manhattan; it reflects their urban environment where boxing is part of their identity and opportunity.)
What is the main idea of Buffalo Dance?
(Friendship is more powerful than tribal hatred.)
What is the rising action
All events that follow the inciting incident and lead up to the climax.
Define external conflict.
A struggle between a character and an outside force such as another character or nature
Define short story.
A brief work of fiction containing events invented by the author
Why is the inciting incident—learning they must fight each other—such a challenge for Felix and Antonio?
(It forces them to choose between friendship and competition, creating both internal and external conflict.)
Instead of taking Neosho captive, what does Chanuka do, and why?
(He cares for Neosho’s wounds and feeds him, because he recognizes their shared humanity and that they are both just boys.)
Define resolution.
The final outcome of the story—the last element of the plot.
Define internal conflict
A struggle between a character and their own emotions, thoughts, or beliefs.
Define third-person limited
Narration from outside the story using “he/she/they,” but only revealing one character’s thoughts and feelings
Why do the boys agree not to see each other during training?
They want to remain fair opponents and protect their friendship while preparing to fight at their best.)
Describe Chanuka’s horse costume. Why does this detail matter?
(It included different moccasins; it shows his friendship with Neosho)
Define exposition.
The part of the plot that introduces the setting, characters, and background information.
Define character motivation
The reason a character behaves the way they do
Define third-person omniscient
Narration from outside the story, revealing the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
During the climax, why don’t the boys hear the bell?
(They are completely absorbed in the fight, showing their passion and determination.)
What are the three roles in the buffalo dance?
The Buffalo, the Horse, the Hunter.
What is the inciting incident?
(The incident that introduces the conflict and sets the story in motion.)
What character traits do Felix and Antonio share?
They are competitive, determined, and loyal to their friendship
Define cultural context
The beliefs, customs, and thoughts that reflect the time and place in which a work of literature is created
Why is it important that the story ends before the announcer names a winner?
(Because the outcome doesn’t matter—the resolution emphasizes friendship over victory.)
Which two tribes are in conflict, and how do the boys see this conflict differently than adults?
Ojibway and Dakota; the boys don’t understand why the hatred exists, while adults cling to it as tradition.
Apply: What is the resolution of Amigo Brothers?
They walk away arm in arm before the announcer can announce the winner.
How do we know the boys’ friendship is not at stake during the fight?
Antonio fights Felix as he would any opponent—without holding back—showing respect, not hostility.
From what point of view is Buffalo Dance told, and why does that matter?
Third-person limited; it centers the reader on Chanuka’s perspective, emphasizing his compassion and choices.