Characters
What makes a character interesting to readers?
Their strengths, flaws, and the choices they make.
What is “mood” in a story?
The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader.
What is a theme?
The big idea or life lesson of the story.
What is “conflict” in a story?
The problem or struggle the character faces.
Name the 4 things we studied today.
Characters, Setting, Theme, Conflict.
Give one example of a flaw a character might have.
Any valid flaw: being stubborn, shy, jealous, quick-tempered, etc.
Name two senses you can use to describe setting.
Any two: sight, sound, smell, touch, taste.
True or False – A theme is the same as a plot.
False.
Name one type of conflict.
Internal (inside the character) or external (with others or the world).
Which comes first: character, setting, theme, or conflict?
Lucky you. (FREE BONUS)
Trick question! Any can come first depending on the author.
In Order My Steps, what strength helped the narrator keep going?
Perseverance and inner faith.
In Order My Steps, what made the church setting feel comforting?
The creaking pews, stained-glass windows, warmth of prayers, candle wax smell
In Order My Steps, what theme connects faith and resilience?
Faith gives strength to keep going through hard times.
In Order My Steps, what kind of conflict does the narrator face in Ch. 7?
Internal conflict (self-doubt, exhaustion, fighting against giving up).
Which excerpt showed setting through senses?
The church scene with pews, stained glass, candle wax smell.
Create a new flaw for your own character and explain how it might cause problems.
Rewrite this phrase to change its mood: “The hallway was quiet.”
Creative — e.g., “The hallway was quiet, filled with peace after a busy day” vs “The hallway was quiet, shadows crawling along the walls.
Write a theme for this example: “A lonely boy learns the value of friendship.”
Possible answer: “True friends make us stronger” or “Friendship can overcome loneliness.”
Write one example of conflict for your own story.
Open-ended — team creates one. (4 Mins)
Explain how theme and conflict are connected.
Conflict tests the character, and theme is the lesson they learn through it.
Explain how both strengths and flaws help a character grow.
Strengths help them succeed, flaws create struggles and growth opportunities.
Why is setting more than just a place in a story?
It creates mood, influences characters, and makes the story feel real.
Why should authors show theme through actions instead of just saying it?
Readers connect more when they see it happen in the story, not just told
Why does conflict make a story more exciting for readers?
It builds tension, keeps the reader interested, and drives the plot.
Write one full sentence combining character + setting + theme + conflict.
Open-ended; team create. (4 Mins)