Opening Characterization
What emotion is revealed when Lina’s strumming is described as “intense”?
Angry / upset / emotionally charged
What does “looking uncomfortable” show about Lina’s reaction?
She feels awkward / uneasy
What trait is revealed by “losing herself in it”?
She is passionate and focused.
What does “smiles shyly” suggest about Lina?
She is shy or uncomfortable.
What does Lina declining the call “with one flick of her finger” suggest about her attitude?
Dismissive / avoiding / doesn’t want to talk
What does the stage direction “frustrated” signal about Lina’s emotional change?
Her emotions escalate from uncomfortable to frustrated.
What does stopping after remembering the audience suggest?
She becomes self-conscious when others are watching.
What does “looks completely mortified” reveal about Lina?
She feels embarrassed or ashamed.
What does the stage direction “resumes playing, angrily” reveal about Lina’s internal state?
She is still upset and holding onto the conflict
What do 'rises' and 'leaves' show about her response to conflict?
How do stage directions show Lina values privacy?
Example acceptable answer:
She loses herself in the music but becomes uncomfortable and leaves when attention is on her, showing she values privacy.
Why is “but she doesn’t answer” important for characterization?
It shows she avoids speaking instead of confronting the situation.
How do the opening stage directions establish conflict before anyone speaks?
The opening stage directions show there is already a problem between them because Lina declines the call and keeps playing angrily, which shows she is avoiding Joelle. It also says Joelle drops her phone in frustration, which shows she is upset too. This shows the conflict is already happening before anyone even talks.
Explain how Lina shifts from passive discomfort to active decision.
Answer Must Include:
Example acceptable answer:
She starts off uncomfortable, then becomes frustrated, and finally leaves, which shows she withdraws instead of confronting the issue.
Describe Lina’s overall character using only stage directions as evidence.
How do the stage directions in lines 6–8 build depth to Lina’s character?
Example acceptable answer:
The stage directions show she is shy and mortified, which means she feels uncomfortable and doesn’t like attention.
How do the stage directions develop a theme about conflict and communication?
Track Lina’s development from beginning to end using three stage directions.
Student Response:
At the beginning she plays “intense” and “angrily.” In the middle she looks “mortified” and “uncomfortable.” At the end she is “frustrated” and leaves. This shows her emotions build throughout the scene.
Must Include: