Reading Comprehension and Theme

Reading Comprehension Vocabulary

by Jacqueline Vega

​When trying to understand a story there's a few things we should keep in mind:

• ​​Character

• Setting

• Theme

• Conflict

• Solution

​Character

​A character is a person in a novel, play, or movie. If we categorize character types by the role they play in a narrative, we can see different varieties: the protagonist, the antagonist, the love interest, the confidant, etc.

​Tanjiro is an example of a protagonist.

​Setting

​The setting in a story is the time and place or type of surroundings where a story takes place. The more detailed the setting is, the easier it is for the reader to feel like they are in the story. Examples can go from a date, time period, location, planet, or even universe!

Pallet Town is an example of setting.

​Theme

​The theme in a story is the underlying meaning of a story. It is the message the writer is trying to convey through the story. Most stories will have a lesson that can be applied in our lives like how to do better in school.

The theme in this Naruto is to believe in yourself.

​Conflict

​Conflict is the primary problem that the characters in a story face. It is the driving force in any story, as it influences the turn of events in the plot. Without conflict, there is no story arc and no character development.

​The conflict in The Mandalorian is that baby Grogu is in danger.

​Solution

​The solution of a story is how the story ended and it is how the story fixed or solved its conflict. Generally, our protagonist will solve this problem with the help of their friends.

​Deku always finds a solution to the conflict in his story with the help of his teachers and friends.