Characters
These are the people, animals, or beings who take part in a story. For example, Maya, a teenager who is trying to convince her parents to let her go on a trip, is one of these.
What are characters?
This is the central message, underlying meaning, or big idea that a story explores. For example, a story might show that dishonesty can eventually create bigger problems.
What is theme?
This is usually the beginning of the story where the reader is introduced to important characters and information about the situation.
What is the exposition?
This is the struggle or problem that drives the events of a story. Without it, there would be little reason for the story to continue.
What is Conflict?
This describes where and when a story takes place. For example, a story could take place in a small town during a winter storm.
What is setting?
This is usually the main character whose experiences and goals drive the story. For example, a story follows Alex as he tries to save his family from losing their home.
Who is the protagonist?
This is the general subject a story explores. For example, “friendship,” “love,” or “fear” can be this. Unlike a theme, it does not express a complete message about life.
What is a topic?
After a problem is introduced, several events make the situation more complicated and move the story toward its most important moment.
What is rising action?
Two characters want completely different things. One wants to become class president, while the other is determined to stop them from winning.
What is person vs. person?
The narrator tells the story using words such as “I,” “me,” and “my.” The narrator is directly involved in the events.
What is first-person point of view?
This character or force works against the protagonist and creates obstacles. For example, a student wants to win an important competition, but another student constantly tries to sabotage them.
Who is the antagonist?
A story follows a teenager who desperately wants to fit in with a popular group. After changing everything about themselves to impress the group, they realize they are unhappy.
Which theme could this story explore?
What is the importance of being yourself / the dangers of changing yourself to gain acceptance?
A character has been searching for their missing brother throughout the story. Near the end, they finally find him—but must decide whether to leave with him or stay behind to save someone else.
This is the story's highest point of emotional interest.
What is Climax?
A student knows they should tell the truth about cheating on a test, but they are terrified of getting in trouble. They spend the entire story struggling with whether to confess.
What is person vs. self?
An author describes an abandoned house, dark clouds, broken windows, and a hallway that is completely silent. The reader begins to feel nervous and uncomfortable.
What is mood or atmosphere?
This type of character changes throughout the story because of their experiences. For example, a character begins the story refusing to trust anyone but eventually learns that accepting help is sometimes necessary.
What is a dynamic character?
The author never directly states the story's message. Instead, the reader watches a character repeatedly make selfish decisions and suffer the consequences.
The reader must figure out the larger message for themselves.
What is an implied theme?
After the main problem has been dealt with, the remaining questions are answered and the story comes to an ending.
What is the resolution?
A family is hiking when a massive storm suddenly traps them in the mountains. They must find shelter and survive the dangerous conditions.
What is person vs. nature?
The story is written using he/she/they, but the reader only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character. We know what Emma is thinking, but we don't know what the other characters are thinking.
What is limited omniscient point of view?
An author never directly tells us that Jordan is selfish. Instead, we see Jordan refuse to share his food, ignore a friend's request for help, and keep everything for himself. The author is revealing Jordan's personality through what he does.
What is characterization?
Throughout a story, a character is offered several opportunities to lie to protect themselves. Each time, the lie creates a new problem. By the end, the character finally tells the truth and accepts the consequences.
What is the idea that dishonesty can create greater problems, while honesty may require facing difficult consequences?
A character has been hiding a secret from their best friend. Throughout the story, the secret causes problems between them. Near the end, the friend finally discovers the truth, and the character must decide whether to admit what they did.
Why is this moment likely to be the climax rather than simply another event in the plot?
What is the climax because it is the highest point of emotional tension and forces the character to make an important decision?
A character has achieved exactly what they wanted. However, they realize that getting it required betraying someone they care about. They must decide whether success is worth what they have done.
What type of conflict is most important here, and why?
What is person vs. self because the character is struggling internally with their decision and feelings?
Imagine the exact same story told by two different narrators.
In one version, the narrator tells us everything every character is thinking.
In another version, we only know what one character thinks and feels.
What is point of view?