Theme
In a story where a character keeps trying to win a race despite losing repeatedly, what is a likely theme that is developing?
That perseverance is rewarded, or that it is important to never give up.
What is a plot vs. a subplot?
A plot is the main storyline, where a subplot is a less important storyline that exists alongside the main story line.
What is the key difference between a dynamic and a static character?
A dynamic character undergoes a significant change throughout the story, while a static character remains the same.
In a story about a selfish character who learns to share with others, identify the theme and explain one way the author shows this theme developing from the beginning to the end of the story.
The theme is "sharing/generosity is important" or "thinking of others leads to happiness." At the beginning of the story, the author shows the character keeping everything for themselves and being lonely or unhappy. This establishes the problem. By the end, the author shows the character sharing with others and feeling happier or making friends.
How does the setting of a dark, abandoned house influence the theme of overcoming fear?
The spooky and isolating setting creates a challenge that forces the character to confront and conquer their fears.
What is the key difference in a tragedy vs. any other kind of plot?
Tragedies end in death.
Using a specific event, justify why a character who learns to trust others after being betrayed is a dynamic character.
(Answers will vary depending on the text) The answer must describe a change in the character's behavior or outlook and connect it to a specific event.
Determine the meaning of "meticulous" in this paragraph: "Sarah approached every project with meticulous attention. She checked each detail three times, organized her materials by color and size, and never submitted work until it was perfect."
Her overall behavior shows extreme care and precision Therefore, "meticulous" means showing great attention to detail; extremely careful and precise.
The main character, who is always alone, discovers a loving community that helps them overcome a personal challenge. How does this plot development help build the theme of "belonging"?
The character's journey from loneliness to finding a community directly illustrates the importance and power of belonging.
In a play, a subplot involves two characters arguing over a misunderstanding. How could this subplot influence the play's main plot, which is a romance?
It could introduce dramatic tension or comic relief, influencing the pacing and adding complexity to the characters' relationships.
A character consistently shows kindness and loyalty to their friends from the beginning of the story to the end. Justify why this character is static.
The kindness and loyalty is consistent and does not waver, so the character does not change.
Identify whether a character who always acts as the "peacemaker" in every conflict throughout a novel is dynamic or static, and justify your answer with evidence.
This character is likely static because they consistently display the same personality trait—peacekeeping—without undergoing internal change
In a text, a character starts out as selfish but learns to be generous by the end. Which specific events in the plot would be most important to explain how the theme of generosity develops?
The events that show the character's selfish actions and the key moments where they decide to help others.
In a mystery novel, the main plot is about solving a murder. A subplot focuses on the detective's personal life and family struggles. How does this subplot affect the pacing of the story?
It slows down the fast-paced action of the murder mystery, giving the reader a chance to understand the detective on a deeper, more personal level.
If the depression is new, the character is dynamic. If the character has always been this way, the character would be static.
In a story where a character starts out believing "money brings happiness" but ends up realizing "true wealth comes from relationships," what could have happened to the character to change his/her outlook?
The author develops the theme by showing the character's transformation through experiences. Initially, the character might pursue wealth, ignoring family and friends (establishing the false belief). Through plot events like losing someone important or feeling empty despite success, the character learns the lesson. The setting might shift from corporate offices to family gatherings, and the resolution shows the character prioritizing relationships over money, reinforcing the overall message.
Choose a story you have seen, read, or heard this year. Explain how the overall message of the text is connected to the central conflict faced by the main character.
In other words, how does the problem the character faces connect to the lesson the story is trying to show you, the reader?
Answers Will Vary
Consider a story with a single-character point of view. A subplot is introduced involving a character that the narrator dislikes. How might this subplot influence the narrator's point of view?
The subplot could reveal information that changes the narrator's initial biased opinion, leading to a new understanding or perspective on the disliked character.
Think of any movie or book you have seen. Give me an example of one static character and one dynamic character. Justify why these characters are static and dynamic.
Answers Will Vary!
How might a subplot about a character's failing friendship influence the main plot's theme of "learning to trust others"? Why would the author include this subplot?
The subplot could serve as a contrasting example or parallel lesson.