Plot
This is what you call the series of events that happen in a story.
What is the plot?
A story takes place on a small island with limited resources. How might the setting make the characters feel?
What is isolated or trapped?
A character helps an elderly neighbor every day without being asked. What character trait does this action suggest?
What is kindness or generosity?
A thematic statement is the message or lesson of a story. It must always be written as this.
What is a complete sentence?
When a character speaks in the story, it's called this.
What is dialogue?
A character faces many challenges throughout the story, but things change when they discover an important secret that helps them solve the main problem. What part of the plot is this?
What is the climax?
This part of the setting tells us when the story happens.
What is time?
This word means the reasons behind why a character does something.
What is motivation?
A thematic topic is a big idea in a story. It can usually be described with this.
What is a single word or phrase?
A character doing something brave in the story shows they have this trait.
What is courage?
After the main conflict is resolved, the hero returns home and reflects on everything that happened, starting to rebuild their life. What part of the plot is this?
What is the falling action?
In a story set during a snowstorm in a small town, the author describes how quiet everything is, with snow blanketing the streets. How might this setting affect the mood of the story?
When an author tells us exactly what a character is like, it’s called this.
What is direct characterization?
A story that shows a character growing up or learning something new is likely about this thematic topic.
What is coming of age?
This is when a character’s actions or decisions tell us something important about who they are.
What is characterization?
At the end of a story, all the loose ends are tied up and the characters return to their normal lives. What part of the plot does this represent?
What is the resolution?
A character travels through a hot, dry desert, and the author describes the harsh, barren landscape. What might this setting suggest about the character’s emotional state?
What is feeling lost or hopeless?
This type of characterization is when an author shows what a character is like through their actions and words.
What is indirect characterization?
If a character is constantly choosing between right and wrong, the story might explore this thematic topic. Pick one or two words that aren't "right vs. wrong."
What is morality or making choices?
A character repeatedly looks at an old photograph of their family throughout the story. How could this object (the photograph) be used as evidence to reveal something about the character’s past or emotions?
What is it shows the character's longing for the past or unresolved feelings about their family?
In the opening chapters, a character receives a mysterious letter that changes their life forever, launching them into the main conflict. What would you call this early moment?
What is the inciting incident?
Why is the setting important to a story?
What is it helps create the mood or atmosphere?
A character always avoids eye contact, speaks very little, and stays in the background during group activities, despite being in a position of leadership. What might this suggest about the character's internal conflict or personality?
What is insecurity, self-doubt, or introversion?
In a story where characters face injustice but fight for equality, what theme statement could sum up the message?
What is "fighting for fairness can change society" or "justice is worth the struggle"?
This type of evidence shows us a theme by hinting at something that will happen later in the story.
What is foreshadowing?