Character & Characterization
This term names the story’s main character who drives the plot forward.
Protagonist
The part of the plot that gives background about characters and setting.
Exposition
A character fighting the weather or a natural disaster is an example of this conflict type.
Character vs. Nature
Besides place, name two components that are part of setting (list both).
Time period, physical features (or atmosphere, weather)
The underlying message or lesson in a story is called the _______.
Theme
A character who stays essentially the same from beginning to end is called this.
Static
This plot element includes events that build tension and lead up to the turning point.
Rising Action
When a character struggles with their own fear or choice, this conflict is called _______.
Character vs. Self (internal)
The time when a story takes place (year, season, or era) is known as the _______.
Time period
Identify the theme that best fits: “Standing up to bullies and becoming stronger.”
Overcoming adversity
Name two ways an author reveals characterization (provide two distinct methods).
Examples: physical description, dialogue, actions, thoughts, other characters’ responses
Identify the correct order of major plot elements from beginning to end.
exposition → rising action → climax → falling action → resolution
Give an example (one sentence) of character vs. society conflict appropriate to a middle-grade story.
Sample: A student protests unjust school rules, organizing peers to change policy
Describe how physical features (like “dark hallways” and “dusty lab”) contribute to mood in one sentence.
Sample: Dark hallways and dusty labs create an eerie, tense mood
Explain how the quote “With great power comes great responsibility” functions as a theme statement (one sentence).
Sample: It summarizes a moral principle about responsibility linked to power
This term describes a character who is complex and has many traits, often undergoing change.
Round character
Name the plot element where loose ends are tied up and the story’s questions are answered.
Resolution
Distinguish between external and internal conflict with a brief example for each (one sentence each).
External example: two neighbors arguing over land; internal example: deciding whether to tell the truth
Provide a brief (one-sentence) explanation of how changing the setting from “an abandoned gym at night” to “a sunny school fair” would alter the story’s mood and likely conflict.
Sample: Changing to a sunny fair makes the mood light and reduces suspense, turning conflict more social or comedic
Define “universal theme” and give one example (one sentence each).
Universal theme definition: a message that applies across cultures/time — example: friendship, courage
Read this quote from a character’s inner thoughts and identify whether it is an example of direct or indirect characterization: “I couldn’t sleep, my palms sweating as the memory replayed in my mind.”
Indirect (shows thoughts/actions) or direct depending on phrasing — expected answer: direct if narrator states trait, indirect if shown by thoughts.
Explain how a single incident of dialogue could propel the action and change character decisions (write one clear sentence).
Sample answer: A revelation in dialogue forces a character to act, moving the plot into the climax.
Read a short scenario: “A town enforces a ban on music; a teen secretly practices and organizes a hidden concert.” Identify the primary conflict type and justify your choice in one sentence.
Character vs. society — teen vs. oppressive law.
Use details to write a two-sentence description of a setting that creates suspense for a spooky short story (grade-appropriate language).
Sample setting: “The gym smelled of mildew and old varnish; flickering lights cast long shadows between rusting bleachers. Every footstep echoed like a warning.”
Identify the figurative device and explain its contribution to theme in this line: “Her anger was a storm, breaking everything in its path.” (one or two sentences)
Figurative device = metaphor; contribution: compares anger to a storm, emphasizing destructive power and supporting themes about consequences of uncontrolled emotion.