7.RL.3 Analyzing Character Interaction

7.RL.3 Analyzing Character Interaction

By Erica Barron

Analyzing Interactions in Text

RI.7.3: Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals influence ideas or events).

What are character interactions?

Character interactions are ways in which characters in a story talk, act, and respond to one another.

​These interactions can show how characters feel, what they want, or how they change throughout the story.

Multiple Select

Character interactions in a story are the way characters (a)_____________(b)______________ and (c) _______________ to one another.

• Talk

• act

• eat

• think

• respond

The way characters interact over time can show how they change or learn new things.

Show character growth

When characters have disagreements, it can create problems that need to be solved.

Develop Conflict

Character interactions can...

Move the Story Forward

​What characters say dn do can create new events or changes the direction of the story.

Multiple Select

The way characters interact over time can show (a)____________ or (b)_______________

• How they change over time

• The bad guy in the story

• learn new things

• who their favorite youtuber is

What is Conflict in a story?

• Conflict is the problem or struggle that drives the story forward.

• It can be internal (a struggle within a character’s mind) or external (a struggle with another character, society, or nature).

​Types of Character Driving Conflict

• Character vs. Character – A disagreement, fight, or misunderstanding between two or more characters.

• Character vs. Self – A character struggles with their emotions, fears, or decisions.

• Character vs. Society – A character faces challenges because of societal expectations, laws, or beliefs.

• Character vs. Nature – A character struggles against a natural force like a storm, earthquake, or wild animal.

Multiple Choice

Emma stormed into the classroom, her face red with anger. “I can’t believe you told everyone my secret!” she shouted at Maya. The room fell silent as Maya’s smile faded. “I didn’t mean to,” Maya whispered, but Emma had already turned away. Whispers spread through the room, and Maya felt her classmates’ eyes on her.
What conflict does Emma create in this passage?

• She spreads a rumor about Maya.

• She confronts Maya in front of their classmates.

• She refuses to speak to Maya at lunch.

• She apologizes for sharing Maya’s secret.

Multiple Choice

Emma stormed into the classroom, her face red with anger. “I can’t believe you told everyone my secret!” she shouted at Maya. The room fell silent as Maya’s smile faded. “I didn’t mean to,” Maya whispered, but Emma had already turned away. Whispers spread through the room, and Maya felt her classmates’ eyes on her.
How does Emma’s action contribute to the conflict?

• It encourages Maya to make new friends.

• It embarrasses Maya and isolates her from their classmates.

• It leads to Maya revealing Emma’s secrets.

• It makes the classmates laugh at Emma instead.

What is the resolution in a story?

• The resolution is how the conflict is solved or how the characters deal with the problem.

• Not every resolution is happy—sometimes characters learn a lesson instead of getting what they want.

How Characters Contribute to Resolution

• Characters may change or grow – They learn a lesson and react differently than before.

• Characters may take action – They do something to fix the conflict (apologize, fight back, escape, etc.).

• Characters may work together – They find a solution with help from others.

Multiple Choice

After days of silence, Maya took a deep breath and walked up to Emma. “I know I hurt you, and I’m really sorry,” she said. Emma crossed her arms but didn’t walk away. “I should have talked to you first,” Maya continued. “I don’t want to lose our friendship.” Emma hesitated, then sighed. “Just… don’t do it again, okay?”

How does Maya contribute to the resolution of the conflict?

• She ignores Emma until she forgets the situation.

• She apologizes and expresses her desire to fix their friendship.

• She finds new friends and stops talking to Emma.

• She blames another classmate for telling the secret.

Multiple Choice

After days of silence, Maya took a deep breath and walked up to Emma. “I know I hurt you, and I’m really sorry,” she said. Emma crossed her arms but didn’t walk away. “I should have talked to you first,” Maya continued. “I don’t want to lose our friendship.” Emma hesitated, then sighed. “Just… don’t do it again, okay?”

What does Emma’s response suggest about the resolution?

• She is willing to forgive, but still has some hurt feelings.

• She does not believe Maya’s apology and refuses to forgive her.

• She is angry and wants to spread rumors about Maya now.

• She forgets about the situation completely.

How Setting Contributes to Conflict?

• Setting can create obstacles (e.g., a dangerous storm, a deserted island, a strict school).

• Setting can create tension (e.g., a dark alley at night vs. a sunny park).

• Setting can cause isolation (e.g., being lost in the woods vs. being surrounded by friends).

Multiple Choice

The storm outside roared as Jake and his little sister, Lily, huddled in the dark cabin. The power had gone out, and the howling wind shook the windows. “What if the storm never stops?” Lily whimpered. Jake swallowed hard, trying to be brave, but the shadows in the room seemed to grow larger.

How does the setting contribute to the conflict in this passage?

• The storm makes Jake and Lily feel afraid and uncertain.

• The power outage allows them to relax and play games.

• The cabin is warm and cozy, making them feel safe.

• The storm helps Jake and Lily fall asleep quickly.

Multiple Choice

The storm outside roared as Jake and his little sister, Lily, huddled in the dark cabin. The power had gone out, and the howling wind shook the windows. “What if the storm never stops?” Lily whimpered. Jake swallowed hard, trying to be brave, but the shadows in the room seemed to grow larger.

How does the storm impact the characters’ emotions?

• It creates a sense of calm and peace.

• It makes them feel excited and happy.

• It increases their fear and anxiety.

• It gives them an idea for an adventure.

Open Ended

If there wasn't a storm, how would that impact the story?

How Setting Contributes to Resolution?

• The setting may change – A storm ends, a new day begins, a character leaves a stressful place.

• The setting may provide a solution – A hidden clue is found, a person arrives to help, or the environment becomes safer.

• The setting may reflect the character’s emotions – A peaceful sky after a tough situation, or a bright morning after a dark night.

Multiple Choice

As the sun finally broke through the clouds, Jake and Lily peeked outside. The rain had stopped, and the world outside sparkled in the morning light. “Look, the trees are still standing,” Jake said, squeezing Lily’s hand. She smiled. “I guess the storm wasn’t as scary as we thought.”

How does the setting contribute to the resolution?

• The power goes out again, making them panic.

• The cabin shakes even more, increasing their worry.

• The storm continues, making them even more afraid.

• The sunlight and calm weather help Jake and Lily feel safe again.

Multiple Choice

As the sun finally broke through the clouds, Jake and Lily peeked outside. The rain had stopped, and the world outside sparkled in the morning light. “Look, the trees are still standing,” Jake said, squeezing Lily’s hand. She smiled. “I guess the storm wasn’t as scary as we thought.”

What does Lily’s reaction suggest about the resolution?

• She wants to go inside and hide.

• She blames Jake for making her stay in the cabin.

• She realizes the storm was not as dangerous as she feared.

• She is still too scared to leave the cabin.