Characters & Plot
This term names the beginning of a story where characters, setting, and the basic situation are introduced.
exposition
A conflict that happens inside a character’s mind is called ______.
internal
The central message, idea, or lesson about life a story reveals is called the ______.
theme
A comparison using "like" or "as" is called a ______.
simile
Characterization that tells the reader directly what a character is like is called ______.
direct
The character who opposes the main character is called the ______.
antagonist
Give one example of an external conflict (use one of the textbook categories).
character vs. character OR character vs. society OR character vs. nature
The author’s ______ shows their attitude toward the subject or characters.
tone
A comparison without "like" or "as" is a ______.
metaphor
Characterization that shows a character through actions, thoughts, or dialogue is called ______.
indirect
The sequence of events that make up a story is called the ______.
plot
Which point of view uses "I" or "me" to tell the story? Provide a brief explanation of how this POV affects what the reader knows.
first-person; reader only knows the narrator’s thoughts and experiences
Define "mood" and give one example of a mood word a passage might create.
Mood = the feeling or atmosphere created for the reader; example: ominous, hopeful, melancholic
Name the device that gives clues about what will happen later in the story.
foreshadowing
What is exposition? Give two things it usually introduces.
Exposition introduces characters and setting (and often the basic situation/conflict)
Identify the story element defined as the turning point or moment of greatest suspense.
climax
Explain the difference between third-person limited and third-person omniscient points of view.
third-person limited shows thoughts/feelings of one character; third-person omniscient reveals thoughts/feelings of multiple or all characters
Explain how a theme statement differs from a moral or simple lesson; write a one-sentence theme statement about the idea "identity."
A theme statement is a complete sentence that expresses a story's central insight about life or human nature (not just "be kind"). Example for identity: "True identity is discovered when people accept both their strengths and vulnerabilities."
Define "symbol" and give a classroom-appropriate example (one sentence).
Symbol = an object, person, or event that stands for something beyond itself. Example: a locked diary symbolizing secrets or hidden identity.
Identify and explain the purpose of a theme statement in literary analysis.
Purpose: to state the story’s central message in a sentence that can be supported with evidence; it guides analysis and ties details to a larger idea.
Describe what "falling action" does in a story and explain how it differs from "resolution."
Falling action: events after the climax that tie up loose ends and move toward closure. Resolution: the final outcome where the main problem is resolved.
Provide an example (two or three sentences) of a character vs. society conflict and explain why it fits that category.
Example answer: "A student leads a protest against unfair school rules (character vs. society) because the school's policies limit their cultural expression." It fits because the character struggles against community/institutional norms.
Read this brief scenario and state a possible theme: A student hides their creative hobby to fit in, then loses their sense of self but later reclaims it after risking exposure. (Give a 1–2 sentence theme statement.)
Example theme statement: "Hiding parts of yourself to fit in can cause you to lose your sense of identity; reclaiming that identity often requires courage."
Explain "irony" and give an example (one or two sentences) different from the classic "unexpected ending."
Irony = when the opposite of what is expected occurs. Example: A character who teaches others to be honest is revealed to be lying about their own past.
How does point of view influence a reader’s understanding of the protagonist in a first-person narrative about identity.
The first-person narrator shapes understanding by filtering events through personal memory and bias.