Easy peasy literary terms
the main character of a story
What is protagonist
The protagonist who must decide whether to follow the Rules.
Who is Will Holloman?
The entire novel takes place during this short journey
What is an elevator ride?
For double points: How long is the elevator ride?
The desire to retaliate for a wrong done to someone.
What is revenge?
"No crying."
What is the first of The Rules?
the person or force that opposes the protagonist in a story
What is antagonist
Will's older brother who was murdered.
Who is Shawn?
The number of floors Will travels down.
What is seven floors?
The emotional pain caused by losing someone
What is grief?
"No snitching.
What is the second of The Rules?
The sequence of actions and events connected to the main project in a story
What is plot?
This character appears in the elevator wearing a yellow dress and represents an innocent victim of gun violence.
Who is Dani?
For double points: Name another character who steps onto the elevator.
The object Will carries with him in the elevator.
What is a gun?
For double points: What other words are used for gun in the text?
The set of rules Will believes he must follow after Shawn's death.
What are The Rules?
For double points: Name the rules.
"Get revenge."
What is the third of The Rules?
The underlying meaning of a literary work, a general truth about life or mankind
What is Theme?
Shawn accidentally killed this character when he was trying to get revenge.
Who is Frick?
For double points: How does Frick contribute to the novel's theme?
The event that motivates Will's journey.
What is Shawn's death/murder?
A major theme shown through cycles of violence in the story
What is the consequences of violence?
For double points: Explain how the answer is connected to the theme.
This literary device is heavily used through repeated references to "The Rules."
What is repetition?
The place, the time and the environment in which the action occurs. This may vary through the story
What is Setting?
This character's story helps Will realize that revenge creates a cycle that can continue for generations
Who is Pop?
For double points: How does Pop help Will realize that revenge creates a cycle that can continue for generations
The novel's unique format.
What is a novel in verse?
The theme explored when characters question the rules they have lived by.
What is breaking cycles or questioning tradition?
For double points: Give evidence + explanation for your claim
The novel ends with uncertainty about Will's decision, creating this literary effect.
What is an open ending (or ambiguity)?
For double points: How do you interpret the ending? Give evidence and explanation to your claim.