Character Conflicts
Define in your own words what "conflict" means in a story.
A problem or struggle a character faces in the story. (Teacher note: acceptable student answers may vary in wording.)
What is a protagonist?
the character the story focuses on or who tries to reach a goal.
What does the S in STEAL stand for?
S = Speech. Example: "She said, 'I will help you,' showing kindness."
Define "direct characterization"
Direct characterization: the author directly tells the reader what a character is like. Example: "Maria is an angry person."
Give a short example of a conflict that is character vs. character.
"Two classmates argue over who gets to be team leader."
Define "antagonist" and give one example of an antagonist in a story.
Antagonist: the person or force that opposes the protagonist (example: a rival who causes problems).
What does the T in STEAL stand for?
Thoughts: "I deserved to make the team over Billy because he stinks," Amanda thought.
Define "indirect characterization" in one sentence
Indirect characterization: the author shows traits through actions, thoughts, speech, looks, or other characters' reactions.
Describe a clear one-sentence example of character vs. nature.
"A camper tries to survive after a sudden storm destroys their shelter."
What is a "round character"?
Round character: shows many traits and changes; example: "Sam is both brave and afraid sometimes and learns from mistakes."
Which STEAL element shows how other characters react to a character?
Effects on others; example: "Her classmates smiled when she entered, showing they liked her."
Choose the better example of indirect characterization
Better indirect example: A) "Liam never finished his chores and took long naps." — shows laziness through actions, so A is indirect; B is direct.
Explain a situation (one or two sentences) that shows character vs. society
"A student organizes classmates to challenge an unfair school rule."
What is a "flat character"?
Flat character: shows only one or two traits and does not change; example: "The baker is always friendly but never develops as a person."
Which STEAL element shows what a character does?
Actions; example: "He returned the lost wallet to its owner," shows honesty.
Do we use the STEAL acronym for indirect or direct characterizations
Indirect because it helps us determine the character trait being described. Direct already gives the trait.
Describe character vs. self conflict; give one example of something a character can struggle with internally.
guilt, fear, choice, etc.; teacher judges whether internal struggle is clear.
Describe the difference between a "dynamic" character and a "static" character
Dynamic vs. Static: dynamic characters change over the story; static characters stay the same. Example dynamic: a shy kid who learns confidence. Example static: a townsperson who stays the same.
Name all 5 elements of the STEAL method for understanding indirect characterization. (say what each letter of STEAL means)
Speech, Thoughts, Effects on others, Actions, Looks
Read this line and say which STEAL element it best shows: "Everyone trusted Ava with secrets."
Everyone trusted Ava with secrets." — Effects on others; it shows how others feel about Ava.