Plot
Exposition
When?
What?
Usually occurs at the beginning of a story
Characters are introduced
We also learn about the setting of the story
Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).
Definition
The total environment for the action
What are major characters?
Plot and resolution of conflict revolve around these characters
What is a direct characterization?
The reader is told what the character is like by the narrator or speaker. (For direct, you do NOT have to make inferences.)
what does the A stand for in STEAL?
Actions
Rising Action
When?
What?
Often starts with the Inciting Incident : The event that thrusts the main character into the main action of the story.
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s).
A building of interest or suspense occurs.
"Alex shut the lid to his laptop with a loud clap. Some of the people sitting at the tables near him looked up from their books and gave him annoyed looks. Alex realized that he had disturbed them and held up his hand apologetically. The librarian turned toward him and shushed him loudly, perhaps louder than the noise that he had made. Alex put the laptop in his bag and began walking toward the door. He held his head down low."
Where is this story taking place?
When is this story taking place?
It takes place in a library.
It is during the morning/afternoon. It is when it's daylight. Also present time. (because there are still books and there are laptops)
What are minor character?
Minor characters support the Major Characters and move the plot forward
what is indirect characterization?
This refers to what the character says or does. Then, the reader has to figure out what the character is like. And sometimes the reader will get it wrong! (For indirect, you have to make inferences about the character based on S.T.E.A.L.)
What does the L in STEAL stand for?
Looks
Climax
When?
What?
This is the turning point of the story.
Usually the main character comes face to face with the main conflict.
The main character will change in some way.
"Vance Powers grabbed the control stick. Up until now he had been a prisoner on this spaceship, but even the captain knew that Vance was the only one who could navigate through an asteroid belt. "Quick! Take these laser cuffs off!" The captain and the guard looked at one another hesitantly. Boom! The ship skidded off a large asteroid. "Now! Take the cuffs off! There's no time!" Vance shouted at the men. The captain gave the guard a slight nod. The guard waved the magnetic key over the laser cuffs on Vance's wrists. The cuffs powered down and fell off of Vance's wrists. Suddenly Vance had full control of his arms again. Vance tested the movement of his arms by disarming the guard and slapping the laser cuffs on him in one swift motion. Vance Powers was back."
Where is this story taking place?
When is this story taking place?
It takes place on a spaceship/prison.
It happens in the future (because there are spaceships with superheroes/supervillains) (There are also laser cuffs)
What are Protagonists?
The central person in a story, or the main character. He or she (or they) is faced with a conflict that must be resolved.
what does S in STEAL stand for?
Speech of the character
David’s parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what’s the name of the third son?
David
Falling action
When?
What?
All loose ends are tied up.
The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.
"Sir Anders frowned at his squire, Toby. Toby looked back worriedly. He was eager to please Sir Anders but he didn't know how. "Well, Toby, do you want me to put the saddle on myself?" A bolt of realization struck Toby. He grabbed a saddle of the wall and began apologizing, "Why of course not, Sir Anders. What was I thinking?" Toby awkwardly tried to get the saddle on Sir Ander's white stallion. "Let me just grabbed the belt here and uh… Ah!" Toby was muttering to himself when Sir Ander's horse turned suddenly and knocked him into a pile of hay. Sir Anders could not help but to crack a slight smile at this scene. As Toby brushed off the hay, Sir Anders consoled him, "He knows that you're scared, Toby. Grab the bridle off of the wall, help me remove my armor, and I'll show you how it's done."
Where is this story taking place?
When is this story takin place?
It takes place in a barn/farm
It happened in the past because they still ride horses and they call their "owners" or "masters" SIR.
What are Antagonists?
Character(s) or situations that the protagonist(s)
must face; the main “bad guy”
What does the T in STEAL stand for?
Thoughts of the character
I follow you all the time and copy your every move, but you can’t touch me or catch me. What am I?
Your shadow
Resolution or Denouement
When?
What?
The story comes to a ending or
conclusion.
"The party stopped at a small brook. The woman who was leading the party whispered, "Ok, if anybody's thirsty, this be a good time to drink. We keep moving from here to the next station." This wind blew through the thick trees. A young boy in the back of the party looked up at an older man and asked, "Is we really gonna be free?" The old man sighed, as if he could not believe it himself. "You see that star up dere? Dat's the North Star. We keep following that, and Miss Tubman up dere," he said gesturing to the woman leading the party. He continued, "We'll be free alright." The boy smiled, and then something else occurred to him. He looked up at the old man and said, "Well, what if we run into dem slave catchers?" The old man scratched his head and said, "Don't let'em catch you."
Where is this story taking place?
When is this story taking place?
It takes place in the forest/woods.
It happened in the past. (because there were slave catchers and slaves)
Hi! Free question!
what is the other person/team's favorite color?
What does the E in STEAL stand for?
Effects on others
What kind of band never plays music?
A rubber band