Plot
What is the general shape of the plot of a story?
A mountain
or
A Witch's Hat
Why should we add "showing" details to our writing?
"Telling" sentences alone can be boring.
OR
To help the reader create a clear image of what's being described.
What type of characterization is this?
The author tells the reader a specific detail about the character.
Direct characterization
What is the main difference between monologues and dialogues?
Monologues are said by one character, dialogues are between two or more characters.
What is Tone?
The author or speaker's attitude toward the subject matter.
What is the turning point of the story? Usually, the main character comes face to face with a conflict.
Climax
What is setting?
The time and place of a story.
The acronym STEAL is used to help us remember the strategies for what type of characterization?
Indirect characterization
True or False: Monologues can be dramatic and serious, but not comedic or funny.
False
Give an example of when to use formal tone in writing.
Academic papers, writing for an important occasion like a wedding or funeral, writing to an employer, requesting something from a person in power, emailing the principal/superintendent etc.
What is an antagonist?
The character or force that is in opposition to the main character of the story.
Telling: I walked through the forest. It was already Fall and I was getting cold.
What kind of detail could we use to "show" the setting of this sentence?
Answers vary.
Time examples: describing the sun setting, the chill in the air, what the main character is wearing that could show that it's fall, a conversation about Halloween, etc.
Place Examples: the colors of the leaves, the smell of pine, the sounds of the forest, etc.
If a character has an accent or uses a certain type of slang, what could that tell us about the character?
Example: "Y'all got any pop?"
Where that character is from/The character's level of formality with others.
Format the following dialogue correctly:
When asked about the incredible final play in last Sunday's game Jayson Tatum said He made a great pass It doesn't get any better than that A buzzer-beater in a playoff game at home
When asked about the incredible final play in last Sunday's game, Jayson Tatum said, "He made a great pass. It doesn't get any better than that. A buzzer-beater in a playoff game at home."
The two most common types of comparisons.
Simile and metaphor.
What plot element introduces characters, settings, and other facts necessary to understanding the story?
Exposition
Why is it necessary to establish a clear setting for a story?
It gives the readers a context for the actions taking place.
Time and Place can significantly impact social norms and behaviors.
A character is described as follows:
The tall, bald man entered the room and all conversation hushed. He gazed around the room as he placed his briefcase on the table. The men and women at the meeting waited for his first instruction, ready to comply with his orders, no matter what they were.
What can you infer about this character?
Answers vary.
Examples: he is in charge, a businessman, he is older, he is somewhat threatening, he is respected, etc.
What is wrong with the following dialogue?
"Hey there Andrew, my best friend. How are you today?" asked Stella.
"I am well, Stella, and you?" responded Andrew.
"I am also well. Did you hear that we will have a pop quiz in Ms. Alfano's Creative Writing course tomorrow?" Stella interrogated.
"Ah Stella, you are so gullible. That was only a joke made by our peers in the class." Andrew sighed.
1. It is boring.
2. Overuse of dialogue tags
3. Too formal for high school students who are "best friends".
An extreme exaggeration, usually to express a very deep emotion.
Hyperbole
Character vs. Character
Character vs. Self
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Society
Give an example of a "telling" sentence and the "showing" version of the same sentence.
Answers vary.
Example telling: The cat was tired.
Example showing: Snowball's claws spread wide, like a flower blooming, as he stretched before yawning and curling up in my lap.
What words/phrases are used to make the STEAL acronym?
Speech, Thought, Effect on Others, Actions, Looks
What is a dialogue tag?
A dialogue tag is the part of a sentence before or after a character speaks that reveals who is speaking and how that person is speaking.
A phrase that combines words with seemingly opposite meanings to express one idea
oxymoron