Literary Elements Definitions
Definition: the problem in a story
conflict
Definition: main character or "hero" of the story
protagonist
What is the setting of Frindle? BE SPECIFIC
What is Lincoln Elementary school in New Hampshire; 1980's.
What subject does Mrs. Granger teach?
ELA
Make an inference: Mrs. Granger wore the same outfit, drove the same car, and always assigned the same homework. What inference can you make about Mrs. Granger's personality?
She doesn't like change or she is not fexible or adventurous.
Definition: the setting and characters in a story; this is usually found in the beginning of a story
exposition
Definition: the character who opposes the main character
antagonist
Name 6 characters in the story.
What is Nick Allen, Ms. Deaver, Mrs. Avery, Mrs. Granger, Janet Fisk, John, Pete, Chris, and Dave (any 6)
Mrs. Granger seemed taller than a giant, but was she in fact a tall person?
No, she was smaller than some 5th graders.
Nick was popular with the other students. Why?
He was a risk-taker and not afraid of the teachers.
Definition: events that build before the turning point (they go up the "plot mountain")
rising action
Definition: the main events in a story
plot
What is the conflict in the story?
Nick does not get along with Mrs. Granger and he tries to trick her into not giving homework.
What was the FIRST event that gave Nick the idea of calling a pen a Frindle?
Janet found a gold ballpoint pen and picked it up
Mrs. Granger's eyes are compared to gray thunderclouds on p. 15. What inference can you make about how she was feeling?
She was angry.
Definition: the turning point which usually marks a change
climax
Definition: the lesson or message that the author wants you to learn
theme
Name 2 events in the rising action of the story.
Nick asks about words in a dictionary as a delaying question; Mrs. Granger gives him a report to present to the class; Nick writes a very long report to take up all of Mrs. Granger lesson; Nick gets the idea to start calling a pen a frindle. (any two)
What did Nick do to Mrs. Deaver's classroom in the beginning of the book?
turned it into a tropical island
If Mrs. Granger was just a little taller than a 5th grader, why did Mrs. Granger have the reputation of being a tough teacher?
She was strict.
Definition: when the problem is solved; this is usually found at the end of a story
resolution
What are 3 things the theme must have in order to be a theme?
1. Be a full sentence; 2. apply to EVERYONE; 3. NOT contain any characters or events
What is one of Nick's character traits? How do you know?
Nick is creative (provide evidence); Nick is determined (provide evidence); Nick is clever(provide evidence); Nick is a prankster (provide evidence)
How did Nick prefer to learn vocabulary?
By reading
John, Pete, Chris, Dave, and Janet all went to the Penny Pantry and asked for a frindle. What inference can you make about his friends?
Nick's friends are loyal to him and his plan.