Characters & Plot
How does conflict influence the plot?
Characters can have disagreements, adding tension.
Characters can have misunderstandings.
Characters can have different goals.
The S in steal stands for what?
How does this help develop the plot?
S stands for what a character SAYS.
What characters say to each other can change what happens and the decisions they make.
True or False?
Theme can be just one word. Like friendship or love.
False. Theme is a message or lesson. If it only has one word, its the topic. THEME MUST HAVE A LESSON.
explain 1st person POV?
First person POV means a character from the story is the narrator. They use I, me, my when telling the story.
If an author uses 1st person, they want the character telling the story to be the focus.
Explain the difference between POV and Perspective.
POV is who is telling the story.
Perspective are the thoughts and feelings they bring to the story while telling it.
How do character traits develop the plot?
Characters can grow, become better, and learn lessons as the story goes on. This influences the story in positive ways.
Characters can decline, become villains, or refuse to learn lessons (just like in real life). These actions often have negative consequences.
If characters are strong, they can influence other characters. If characters are weak, they can become influenced.
The T in steal stands for what?
How does this help develop the plot?
What a character thinks. When we know what a character thinks, we understand them better. Sometimes we get more information than the other characters have.
What is theme, and how do we find it?
Theme is the lesson or message an author wants the reader to understand. We find it by looking closely at the characters, setting, symbols/imagery, plot, and decisions and consequences. Ask yourself what did the characters learn from these?
Explain 2nd person POV.
2nd person POV is when the narrator is speaking directly to you the reader. It is not used often.
2nd person involves you in the text, making it more relatable. (breaking the 4th wall)
What is the POV/Perspective chant?
POV is 1, 2, 3. It's who is telling the story. Perspective is HOW you see, different views for you and me.
How do character relationships develop the plot?
Just like in real life, relationships can be good or bad. Depending on the type of relationship, it can cause good things or bad things to happen.
The E in steal stands for what?
How does this help develop the plot?
Effect on others.
If a character influences another, they may make decisions the otherwise wouldn't have made.
Just like in real life, people can influence others in positive and negative ways.
What's the difference between implicit and explicit theme?
Implicit - The author uses clues to show the theme. The reader has to put the clues together to get the lesson.
Explicit - The author directly tells the reader the theme. Example "And in the end, Milo learned not to take school and home for granted.'
What is 3rd person limited POV?
3rd person limited POV is not a character in the story. It is an outside narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of one or two characters.
Can a character change their perspective? Explain.
Yes, as characters grow and change, they will gain a new perspective. Think: Are you the same person you were a year ago? NO
How does theme influence the plot?
Characters will have to learn lessons. These characer actions and dialogue develop the theme.
The A in steal stands for what?
How does this help develop the plot?
Actions. Actions speak louder than words! A character might say one thing and do another. This could create conflict and drama.
What is a universal theme?
Universal theme is a theme that can be applied to many different texts, movies, etc. It doesn't use character names allowing it to be applied to other media.
What is 3rd person omniscient POV?
3rd person omniscient is the all-knowing (think god) narrator. They know the thoughts and feelings of all the characters.
Give a real life example of how people can have different perspectives about the same topic/situation.
Answers will vary.
How does the pacing (how quickly the author has the events unfold) affect the plot of a story?
Hint: There are 3 ways.
Tense moments where lots of things are happening at once, quicken the plot and create suspense.
Slow moments cause the characters and readers to reflect.
Foreshadowing and flashbacks give the reader more information.
The L in steal stands for what?
How does this help develop the plot?
Looks. Just like in real life, how people look can influence how they are treated by others. We can also get to know a character through how they dress, wear their hair, etc. Do they follow what's popular? Do they do their own thing showing confidence?
Give an example of theme from one of the books we've read this year. Explain how the author showed the theme.
Answers will vary.
Why would an author change POV within a story?
To change the amount of information we the reader get about the characters. To change focus from many characters to just one.
Name the four things that influence perspective.
Society and culture.
Personality.
Life experiences.
Beliefs and religion.