Elements of Plot
The beginning of the story when the setting and characters are introduced.
What is the exposition?
This is a comparison using "like" or "as."
What is a simile?
This is the year Eckels travels from, which has just seen a presidential election.
What is 2055?
This is the protagonist who panics and steps off the path.
Who is Eckels?
This is the object found on the bottom of Eckels' shoe.
What is a butterfly?
The events of the story leading to the climax. Usually the characters are attempting to solve a problem or conflict.
What is the rising action?
This is a comparison that does not use "like" or "as."
What is a metaphor?
This is the name of the company that takes hunters back in time.
What is Time Safari, Inc.?
This is the safari leader who becomes angry with Eckels.
Who is Travis?
This character is shot by Travis.
Who is Eckels?
This is the most exciting or intense part of the story.
What is the climax?
What is personification?
This is the primary directive given to hunters to avoid altering the future.
What is "Stay on the path"?
This person is Travis's assistant.
Who is Lesperance?
This is the change noted in the language on the office sign.
What is the spelling?
The events that occur after the climax. Loose ends are wrapped up.
What is the falling action?
This is the main idea the author wishes to convey.
What is the theme?
This specific creature is killed by Eckels.
What is a butterfly?
This person is, presumably, the better candidate who won the election before the safari.
Who is Keith?
This is the concept that a small change in the past leads to major differences in the future.
What is the butterfly effect?
The end of the story.
What is the resolution?
This is the emotional response the author tries to create for the reader.
What is the mood?
This is the phrase that describes the T-Rex's death and the sound of the rifle.
What is "a sound of thunder"?
This person is, presumably, the worse candidate who won the election after the trip.
Who is Deutscher?
This is the first sign that something has changed upon returning to the future.
What is the smell/air?