Thank You Ma'am Plot, Setting, and Character Development

​Plot and Character Development

By Candice Payne

​ELA.4.R.1.1. Explain how the setting, events, conflict, and character development contribute to the plot in a literary text.

Multiple Choice

How does Roger's character develop throughout the story?

• In the beginning, Roger was too scared to steal Mrs. Jones purse and became friends with her.

• In the beginning of the story, Roger boldly attempted to steal Mrs. Jones' purse. Over time, he is grateful that Mrs. Jones treats him with kindness.

• In the beginning of the story, Roger is excited to steal Mrs. Jones' purse. Overtime, he is saddened because he really wanted a pair of blue-suede shoes.

• In the beginning of the story, Roger is confused about stealing Mrs. Jones' purse. Overtime, he gains courage and decides to steal the purse when Mrs. Jones is not looking.

Open Ended

How did Mrs. Jones' character develop throughout the text? (Use text evidence to support your thinking.)

Multiple Choice

How does the conflict contribute to the plot of "Thank You Ma'am" ?

• Roger was dirty and poor. He robbed Mrs. Jones so that she would give him food and money.

• Mrs. Jones kidnapped Roger after he attempted to rob her. She was lonely and needed a friend.

• Roger needed money to buy a pair of blue-suede shoes. As a result, he decided to rob Mrs. Jones.

• Mrs. Jones knew that Roger felt embarrassed for trying to rob her so she treated him nicely and gave him money.

Multiple Choice

How does the setting of Thank You Ma'am on page 18, contribute to the plot?

• Roger is in a room in Mrs. Jones' house. He is seated away from her purse because he wants her to trust him.

• Roger is in the kitchen area of Mrs. Jones' house. He is hungry and eager to eat a good meal.

• Roger is in the bathroom at Mrs. Jones' house. He wants to wash his face to be clean when he steals her purse.

• Roger is in Mrs. Jones room. He is waiting for her to be distracted so he can run away.

Multiple Choice

Instead of reporting Roger to the police, Mrs. Jones takes him to her home and feeds him. How does this contribute to the plot of the text?

• This event teaches Roger about kindness, how to be a better thief, and getting everything you want.

• This event teaches Roger that the next time he should ask for money before stealing.

• Mrs. Jones' kindness toward Roger helped him to learn about compassion, forgiveness, and trustworthiness.

• Roger does not learn anything. In fact he is planning to rob Mrs. Jones tomorrow.

Multiple Choice

How does the nighttime city setting affect Roger’s actions at the beginning of the story?

• It makes Roger feel safe asking for help.

• It gives Roger a chance to try to steal without being noticed

• It helps Mrs. Jones find her way home

• It causes Mrs. Jones to become frightened

Multiple Choice

Why is Mrs. Jones’s apartment an important setting in the story?

• It shows where Mrs. Jones works

• It is where the conflict begins

• It is where Roger begins to change

• It is where Roger plans another theft

Multiple Choice

What message does the author communicate through the story’s events and characters?

• Stealing always leads to punishment

• Adults should ignore children’s mistakes

• Kindness can help people change

• Money is the most important thing

Multiple Choice

How does Mrs. Jones’s decision to take Roger home affect the plot?

• It increases the danger in the story

• It teaches Roger how to steal

• It leads to Roger’s character change

• It causes Roger to run away