🎭 Narrative Techniques
“Get away from there!” Mia shouted.
Question: What narrative technique is being used?
Dialogue
Ben held the door open for the woman behind him.
Question: What character trait does Ben show?
Kind/helpful/polite
Waves crashed against the sandy shore.
Question: Where is the story probably taking place?
At a beach/ocean
What is the plot?
The events that happen in a story
Ana gave her lunch to a classmate who forgot his.
Question: Ana is kind. What evidence proves it?
Answer: She gave her lunch to her classmate.
Carlos grabbed his backpack and raced toward the bus.
Question: Which narrative element is being developed?
Character
“I'll go first,” Kayla said, stepping into the dark room.
What does this reveal about Kayla?
She is brave/confident
Snow covered the sidewalk, and icy wind blew against Mia's face.
Question: What TWO details help you imagine the setting?
Snow-covered sidewalk and icy wind.
Nina searched everywhere for her missing puppy.
Question: What is the problem?
Her puppy is missing
David peeked around the corner before slowly stepping into the room.
Question: David is cautious. What action proves it?
Answer: He peeked around the corner/moved slowly.
The tiny cabin had cracked windows and a rusty metal roof.
Question: What technique helps you picture the cabin?
Descriptive Details
Marcus checked his answers three times before turning in his test.
Question: What does Marcus's action reveal?
He is careful/cautious
Birds chirped above the colorful flowers as sunlight warmed the grass.
Question: What feeling does this description create?
Peaceful/happy/calm
Jamal reached for the doorknob. Suddenly, he heard a growl on the other side.
Question: Which event creates suspense?
Hearing a growl behind the door.
“Don't worry. I'll help you finish,” Grace told her partner.
Question: What trait does Grace show AND what evidence proves it?
Answer: Helpful/kind; she offers to help her partner finish.
“I can do this,” Sam whispered, although his hands were shaking.
Question: What TWO techniques help reveal Sam's feelings?
Dialogue and actions/descriptive details
“We shouldn't give up yet,” Tasha said. She picked up the pieces and tried again.
Question: What trait do BOTH her words and actions reveal?
Determined/persistent
The hallway was dark. Floorboards creaked beneath his feet, and cobwebs hung from the ceiling.
Question: How does the description make the setting feel?
Creepy/scary/spooky
First, Kim hears a strange noise. Next, she follows it downstairs. Then, the basement door slowly opens by itself.
Question: Which event makes the plot MOST suspenseful?
The basement door opening by itself
The cave was cold and damp. Water dripped from the rocky ceiling.
Question: Use TWO pieces of evidence to describe the setting.
Answer: The cave is cold/damp and water drips from its rocky ceiling.
Lena stared at the enormous roller coaster. “That doesn't look so bad,” she said, slowly backing away.
Question: What does the author reveal about Lena without directly telling us?
She is nervous/scared even though she is trying to act brave.
“I'm totally ready,” Leo said. He looked at the stage and began biting his fingernails.
Question: How do Leo's words and actions work together to develop his character?
His words make him sound confident, but his actions show he is actually nervous
Thunder shook the windows. Rain pounded against the roof as the lights flickered.
Question: Explain how TWO descriptive details help you understand the setting.
Answers vary but must identify two details and explain that they create a stormy/dangerous/scary setting.
Tyler found a mysterious key on his desk. A note beside it read, “Don't open the blue door.”
Question: How does this event affect the plot?
Answer: It creates suspense/mystery and makes the reader wonder what will happen if Tyler opens the door.
“You can go without me,” Noah said. He stared at the tall diving board and took another step backward.
Question: What kind of character is Noah? Use evidence to explain your answer.
Answer: Noah is nervous/afraid. Although he doesn't directly say he's scared, he stares at the diving board and backs away.