Dramatic Structure and Monster

Drama and Narrative Structure in Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Label the parts of the plot:

Multiple Choice

Think about the plot structure: What is the term for the beginning of a narrative or drama?

• Once upon a time...

• In the beginning...

• Exposition

• Rising action

Label the parts of the plot:

Multiple Choice

Think about the plot structure. What term is used to describe when tension builds and the conflict becomes very clear?

• Climax

• Rising Action

• Falling Action

• Resolution

Multiple Choice

True or False: In narratives, the story is told through descriptions. In dramas, the story is told through actions.

• True

• False

Poll

What is the point of using dialogue in a narrative?

• To engage the reader through "showing" and not "telling"

• To move the plot forward

• To reveal character development

• All of the above

Characterization

What type of characterization is used in this passage: direct or indirect?

Multiple Choice

What type of characterization is used in this scene?

• Direct: through dialogue

• Direct: in the stage directions

• Indirect: through the character's thoughts

• Indirect: through the character's actions

Multiple Choice

What point of view (POV) is used in a narrative when the story is told through the eyes and perspective of a character?

• first person POV

• second person POV

• third person POV

• none of the above

Read this passage and think about characterization:

Multiple Choice

Why is this an example of Direct Characterization?

• the reader infers the description of the character

• it is a dialogue with Steve and Ms. Petrocelli

• the character affects others

• the narrator reveals specific details about the character

Stage Directions

• Closeups (CU) are used for emotional scenes

• Medium shots (MS) are used during dialogue and action scenes

• Long shots (LS) are used to establish the setting

Review this scene and think about what film shot would best represent the mood.

Multiple Choice

What type of shot would be best in this scene:

• Fade in

• Long shot to establish the scene

• Medium shot to show some background

• Close up to show emotion

Review the scene. Then, put the events in order.

• First...

• Next...

• Finally...

Multiple Choice

What happens first in this scene?

• The narrator feels like Monster is tattooed on his forehead.

• Miss O'Brien talks about the case with the narrator.

• Sunset reads the screenplay.

• Sunset and the narrator talk about the screenplay.

Multiple Choice

What happens last in the scene?

• The narrator feels like Monster is tattooed on his forehead.

• The narrator thinks back to a previous scene he described.

• Sunset reads the screenplay.

• The narrator thinks about the courtroom.

Open Ended

Why do authors use different structures for their narratives?

Open Ended

What new learning do you have after today's lesson and practice?