Plot & Conflict
Name the elements of plot in the correct order.
Initiating event, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
What is the definition of theme in a story?
Theme is the life lesson or message in the story; Universal life lesson
What is the definition of characterization?
The way an author describes a character's personality in a story
How do you know the difference between fiction and nonfiction?
Fiction--not entirely true/real
Nonfiction--real story/event; fact-based
What is an internal conflict? Give an example
Individual vs. self (ie. character dealing with guilt or procrastination)
Which of these is NOT a theme statement? WHY?
1. It is important to choose your friends wisely.
2. Ghost should have stayed away from the bullies.
2. Ghost should have stayed away from the bullies.
It is not a theme statement because it uses specifics (his name) from the text.
What are the two ways in which an author reveals a character's personality/traits? (What are 2 types of characterization?)
Indirect and direct characterization
What is "dialogue" in a story?
Characters talking ; conversation
What is the event that kicks off the story and conflict?
Initiating event
True or false: a theme statement can include specifics from a story
FALSE-- theme is a life lesson. It should apply to anyone and everyone, therefore, it cannot have specifics like character's names
How can a character's actions reveal their traits in a story?
If a character stands up against a bully, they may be brave or courageous.
If a character steals, they may lack honesty and integrity.
Metaphor-- Her heart is an icebox.
How does conflict drive the plot?
--Without a conflict there is no plot
--The conflict drives the character's actions & therefore drives the plot
How can you determine the theme of a story?
Look at the conflict and see how the character changes, ask yourself what the character learns from it
What are ways an author reveals a character's personality in a story? Think of STAR or STEAL
Speech, thoughts, actions, relationship to others OR
Speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, looks
What is the climax of a story?
What is the purpose of the rising action in a story?
To build suspense and tension; to show how the conflict is getting worse; shows the journey the character has to go through
What is the difference between theme and main idea?
The theme is the lesson learned and the main idea is the central point of a text
“Show you that you can’t run away from who you are, but what you can do is run toward who you want to be.”
What can you infer about the person that gave this advice?
has wisdom; cares about the other person; believes in the other person; (answers may vary)
Use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities (the color red representing anger; American flag representing freedom)