Story Elements
This term describes who takes part in the events of a story.
Character
The part of the plot that introduces characters and background information.
Exposition
A clue in a sentence that helps you figure out an unfamiliar word.
Context Clue
Why did the girl enjoy hearing the boatman play each night?
She felt comfort and joy from his music.
Why does the youngest son fall in love with the mouse?
Because of her kindness and gentle behavior.
This is the message, lesson, or central idea the author wants the reader to understand.
Theme
Events that build suspense and lead up to the turning point.
Rising Action
If the prefix re- means “again,” what does rebuild mean?
to build again
What evidence shows the boatman cared for the girl even before meeting her?
He played with emotion knowing she listened (put his heart and soul into the music).
Why does the mouse agree to meet the young man's family?
She trusts his love and believes in their bond.
This story element includes when and where the story takes place.
Setting
The moment of highest tension or the major turning point.
Climax
What is a tailor?
Someone who makes/fixes/stitches clothes
Why did the boatman stop coming near her home?
He believed he wasn’t good enough for her.
How does the youngest son react when the hunter harms the mouse’s coach?
He risks himself to save her.
This is the struggle or problem the main character faces.
Conflict
Events after the climax when the tension decreases.
Falling Action
If captivating means “to take or capture someone’s attention,” what does a captivating story do?
it fascinates or grabs the reader’s interest?
What is the climax of the story?
When the girl finally sees the boatman and reacts.
What does the mouse’s transformation into a princess symbolize?
True worth comes from inner goodness.
This part of a story reveals how everything turns out after the main problem is solved.
Resolution
Put these in the correct order:
Rising action, resolution, exposition, climax, falling action.
exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → resolution
Something that appears unimportant but has great hidden value supports what idea? (theme)
Appearances can be deceiving.
What does the jade goblet symbolize at the end of the story?
The lasting memory and spirit of the boatman’s love.
Which event is a major turning point in the story?
When the hunter kicks the coach and the young man saves her.