Plot: Characterization
What part of a story introduces the characters, setting, and conflict?
The exposition
What is the theme of a story?
The lesson, message, or moral the author wants readers to learn.
What does “author’s purpose” mean?
The reason the author wrote the text (to inform, persuade, or entertain).
What are context clues?
Words or phrases around an unknown word that help you figure out its meaning.
In “Fourteen Days in Tokyo,” how does the setting affect Todd’s feelings?
It helps him appreciate new experiences and changes his attitude.
How can a character’s actions help reveal their traits?
Their choices and reactions show personality and motivation.
How is a theme different from a topic?
Topic = what it’s about
Theme = what the story teaches about that topic.
What kind of clues help you figure out the author’s purpose?
The text’s structure, tone, and types of details used.
Read the sentence:
“The mountain trail was treacherous, full of sharp rocks and steep drops.”
What does treacherous mean?
Dangerous
What theme can be learned from Todd’s trip?
Trying new things can lead to unexpected joy or personal growth.
In a story, when a character changes from the beginning to the end, what usually causes the change?
Events and conflicts that teach them something or change their perspective.
Read the lines:
“He fell seven times but stood up eight.”
What theme fits this quote?
Never give up / perseverance
Read this line:
“The new park will bring our community together in amazing ways.”
What is the author’s purpose?
To persuade readers to support the park.
Read the line:
“The child’s bravery astonished the crowd.”
Which word gives a clue to astonished?
Bravery; it hints that people were surprised or amazed.
What is the author’s purpose in writing about the Calle Ocho Festival?
To inform readers about a cultural event and celebrate Hispanic heritage.
Read this excerpt:
“Lila crossed her arms and refused to look at her brother after the argument.”
What does this action show about her character?
She’s stubborn or upset; her body language reveals her emotions.
When characters learn something by the end of a story, how does that help the reader find the theme?
The character’s lesson often reveals the theme.
When an author includes facts, statistics, and neutral descriptions, what is the likely purpose?
To inform
Read the sentence:
“The hikers were famished after their long climb, so they stopped for sandwiches.”
What does famished mean, and what clue helps you?
It means very hungry; clue = “stopped for sandwiches.”
Read this line inspired by the Calle Ocho passage:
“The streets were alive with rhythm and color as people danced and shared their culture.”
What word best describes the author’s perspective?
Proud or celebratory.
How do supporting characters contribute to the plot?
They help the main character face conflict, grow, or realize the theme.
Read this excerpt:
“She realized true friendship isn’t about winning—it’s about showing up.”
How does this support a theme?
It shows the theme of loyalty or valuing relationships over competition.
How is the author’s perspective different from purpose?
Perspective is the author’s feelings or opinion about the topic, while purpose is why they wrote it.
Read the sentence:
“The magician’s tricks were so elaborate that the audience sat speechless.”
What does elaborate mean?
Detailed or complex; clue = audience was amazed/speechless.
Read this line:
“Visitors were drawn by the aroma of sizzling empanadas and lively salsa music.”
What does drawn mean in this context, and how do you know?
It means “attracted to”; clue = “aroma” and “lively music.”