Screen Play
Graphic Novel
Mystery Column
100
In paragraphs 1–4 of the screenplay, these paragraphs appear to be handwritten by the narrator. How does this handwritten introduction affect the reader’s understanding of the other characters?
It helps readers understand that their view of the other characters is affected by the narrator’s state of mind.
100
FADE IN: INTERIOR: Early morning in CELL BLOCK D, MANHATTAN DETENTION CENTER. Camera goes slowly down grim, gray corridor. There are sounds of inmates yelling from cell to cell; much of it is obscene. Most of the voices are clearly Black or Hispanic. Camera stops and slowly turns toward a cell.
Why is this paragraph important to the screenplay?
It establishes that the story is about crime
100
Which of these sentences from the screenplay uses a subordinating conjunction?
1. They’re pushing for the death penalty, which is really bad. (paragraph 20)
2. They go through the motions; then they lock them up. (paragraph 27)
They’re pushing for the death penalty, which is really bad. (paragraph 20)
200
Why does Monster appear bold and large in the screen play?
It shows that being called a monster bothers the main character because he does not want to be seen as a monster
200
Together, what purpose do these two direction lines in paragraphs 17–18 serve in
the screenplay?
FADE OUT as last prisoner from the van enters rear of courthouse.
FADE IN: INTERIOR COURTHOUSE. We are in a small room used for prisoner-lawyer interviews. A guard sits at a desk behind STEVE.
They indicate that there is a change of perspective.
200
Review the panel from the graphic novel that begins with Ms. O’Brien saying, Listen to me!
What is the impact of the illustration in this panel?
The stern look on Ms. O’Brien’s face and the glasses sitting low on her nose emphasize that she is serious.
300
Which statement can be inferred about Steve based on details from the screenplay?
He’s creative
300
Review the frame from the graphic novel that says, He is as guilty as everybody else!
Which sentence best describes the impact of this frame?
The sad and worried look on Steve’s face and the text make the reader wonder if he belongs there.
300
Which of the following is a text detail that appears in both the screenplay and the
graphic novel?
1 Ms. O’Brien says, It probably depends on what you mean by “win.”
2 Ms. O’Brien asks Steve, You know what we’re doing today?
3 The guard asks, Ain’t that right, bright eyes?
4 Steve says, I’m not hungry.
Ms. O’Brien says, It probably depends on what you mean by “win.”
400
What is Ms. O’Brien’s opinion of Steve’s case?
She is more realistic than hopeful.
400
Reread the first three set of panels of the graphic novel. How has the setting affected Steve’s character so far
He is scared, worried, unsure of the result
400
Which detail can be found in the graphic novel, but not in the screenplay?
1.Steve is asked about breakfast in the van.
2.Steve is waiting in a holding room.
3. Steve is in a jail cell.
Steve is asked about breakfast in the van.
500
How do the authors of the screenplay and the graphic novel convey point of view differently?
t the start of the graphic novel, the author uses a third-person limited point of view to draw the reader in, saying, “Most people in our community are decent, hardworking citizens who pursue their own interests legally and without infringing on the rights of others.” As the story proceeds, readers see the conversations between the various characters, but the story is still presented from the third-person limited point of view. In the screenplay, the point of view shifts from first-person to third-person limited to third-person omniscient for the stage directions. For example, in one direction, the screenplay says of Steve Harmon, “The fear is evident on his face.” During the dialogue, Steve directly says how he is feeling: “I’m scared.”
500
How does Steve distinguish himself from others in the jail, and why?
He does not think he is like the others and he does not want to engage wit them.
500
WHERE WAS IT SAID?
Screenplay or Graphic novel or Both?
1.Steve is presented as deserving of sympathy.
2.Steve is shorter than the guard.
3.Steve says aloud that he is scared.
4.Steve is more upset than the other prisoners.
Screenplay:
Steve says aloud that he is scared
Graphic novel:
Steve is shorter than the guard.
Steve is more upset
Both: Steve is presented as deserving of sympathy.