Character Files 👤
The author writes, "Marcus was impatient and easily frustrated."
Is this direct or indirect characterization?
Direct characterization
The speaker sounds irritated and impatient. Is this tone or mood?”
Tone
A narrator uses I, me, my, and we and is part of the story.
What point of view is being used?
First person
A clue or hint about something that may happen later in a story is called ______.
Foreshadowing
"Friendship" is an example of a __________.
Topic
Ava wants to audition for the school musical, but she is terrified that she will embarrass herself.
What type of conflict is Ava experiencing?
Internal conflict (extra point if you say Character vs. Self).
A creepy story makes the reader feel nervous and uneasy. Is the word "uneasy" describing the tone or mood?
Mood
The audience knows there is a villain hiding behind the door, but the character does not.
What type of irony is this?
Julia carries her grandmother’s necklace whenever she needs courage. The necklace represents her connection to her grandma and the strength she gets from her.
What literary tool is being used?
Symbolism
In the movie, Inside Out, Riley tries to avoid sadness, but eventually learns that expressing sadness helps her connect with others and get the support she needs.
What is ONE possible theme of this movie?
All emotions, including sadness, are important and deserve to be expressed (or similar responses).
Every morning, Leo arrives early to help his younger brother get ready for school without being asked.
What character trait is indirectly revealed about Leo?
He is caring/responsible/helpful (or similar responses).
Read the message:
“Oh, GREAT. Another group project. Exactly what I wanted.”
What is the speaker’s tone?
Sarcastic OR Annoyed
(I'll accept either).
Lena smiled at her friends, hoping they couldn't tell how nervous she was. Across the table, her friends wondered why Lena was acting so strangely.
What point of view is this?
Third Person Omniscient
(Access to thoughts and feelings of more than one character).
At the beginning of a story, a character notices that the brakes on his bike have been making a strange squeaking sound. Later, he plans to ride down a steep hill.
What might the squeaking brakes be an example of?
Foreshadowing
A student says the theme of a story is:
“Growing up.”
What is wrong with this answer?
This is a TOPIC, not a theme. A theme needs to communicate a message about growing up.
A student wants to wear whatever she wants to school, but the school has strict rules about what students are allowed to wear.
What specific type of conflict is this? (______ vs ______)
Character vs. Society
A writer describes an abandoned house using words like rotting, shadowy, and silent.
What mood do these words help create?
Eerie, Creepy, Unsettling, Ominous (or similar responses).
After studying all night for a test, a student arrives at school and learns the test has been canceled.
What type of irony is this?
Situational Irony
In a story, a locked door repeatedly appears whenever a character gets anxious.
What might the locked door symbolize?
Answer: Feeling trapped / lack of freedom / restriction
TOPIC: Failure
MESSAGE: Making mistakes can help people improve and become stronger.
Using our formula, what is the theme?
By experiencing failure, people can improve and become stronger.
Maya desperately wants to win the championship game, but she has injured her ankle. She must decide whether to keep playing or tell her coach she needs to stop.
Identify TWO conflicts Maya is facing.
External: Character vs. Nature (Her injury/body (cannot control)
Internal: Character vs. Self (whether to keep playing or stop).
A writer uses a nervous tone, with short sentences and hesitant words.
What effect could this have on the mood?
It could create a tense, anxious, or uncomfortable mood for the reader.
Justin walked into the cafeteria and immediately felt like everyone was staring at him. He wondered if they had heard what happened yesterday. Across the room, Devin waved at him.
What point of view is this?
Third person limited.
(We know what Mia DID. But do we know what Mia THOUGHT?)
A character receives a cracked watch from his father. Throughout the story, the watch represents their damaged relationship. Earlier in the story, the watch suddenly stopped working shortly before the father disappears.
Name and explain the TWO Literary Toolbox tools being used.
Symbolism: The watch represents their damaged relationship.
Foreshadowing: The watch stopping hints at the father's later disappearance.
Jordan desperately wants to make the basketball team. After being cut, he practices every morning before school. The next year, he tries out again and earns a spot.
What is ONE possible theme of this story?
Something like "persistence after failure can help people achieve their goals".