Characterization
The author directly tells the reader, “Marcus was impatient and easily frustrated.” What type of characterization is being used?
Direct characterization
A student struggles with whether to tell the truth or protect a friend. What type of conflict is this?
Character vs. self
What part of the plot introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation?
Exposition
I knew I shouldn't open the door, but curiosity got the better of me.”
First-person point of view
What three basic pieces of information can setting establish?
Hint: I would have SAID this last monday. We did not write it down.
Time, place, and environment/conditions.
Ava rolls her eyes, crosses her arms, and refuses to answer her mother. What type of characterization is primarily being used?
Indirect characterization
Two candidates compete against each other to become class president.
Character vs. character
What part of the plot contains events that increase tension and move the protagonist toward the major turning point?
Rising action
“You enter the room and immediately notice that everyone has stopped talking.”
Second-person point of view
What is the difference between a topic and a theme?
A topic is the general subject; a theme is a message or insight about that subject.
The central character whose goals and struggles drive the plot is called what?
Protagonist
A family attempts to survive a hurricane that has destroyed their town.
Character vs. nature
A novel opens with a detective running from an attacker. Only later does the reader learn how the investigation began. What technique does the opening use?
In medias res
The narrator reveals Jamal's thoughts but does not reveal what any other character is thinking.
Third-person limited
Is “friendship” a theme? Explain.
No. It is a topic. A theme must communicate a complete message about friendship.
A character begins a story selfish and dishonest but gradually becomes generous after experiencing the consequences of their actions. What has occurred?
Character development
A teenager challenges a law that prevents certain students from attending a particular school.
Character vs. society
During an argument, a character suddenly remembers an earlier fight with her father. The story temporarily shifts to that earlier event. What technique is being used?
Flashback
The narrator reveals that Elena is nervous about the competition while her opponent secretly hopes Elena will win.
Third-person omniscient
A story takes place in an isolated cabin during a violent winter storm. How could this setting affect the plot?
It could isolate the characters, create obstacles, increase danger/tension, and influence their decisions.
A character constantly compares herself to others, deletes pictures that receive few likes, and asks friends for reassurance. What can the reader infer, and what technique creates this inference?
The character is insecure; indirect characterization.
Maya desperately wants to become a doctor, but she believes a prophecy stating that she will never leave her hometown. Although no one physically prevents her from leaving, she feels powerless against what she believes has already been decided. What is the primary conflict?
Character vs. fate
Early in a story, a character jokes, “This old bridge looks like it could collapse any second.” Later, the bridge collapses during the climax. What technique did the author use, and what was its purpose?
Foreshadowing; it provided a clue about a future event and helped build anticipation/tension.
A story is told through one character's first-person narration. The character believes her best friend betrayed her, but readers notice clues suggesting she misunderstood what happened. Why is the point of view important?
The limited perspective creates uncertainty because readers only know the narrator's interpretation of events.
Throughout a story, a talented athlete refuses help because he believes independence proves strength. After his refusal costs his team an important game, he finally learns to trust his teammates. State a possible theme.
Possible answer: True strength sometimes requires trusting and accepting help from others.