Theme and Character Development

Why are themes important in literature?

• They're not

• Because

• They help us learn about ourselves and others

• They teach us themes

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• Skim through the story

• Just read the beginning of the story

• Think about what the character has learned

• Read the ending of the story

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.

• Don't brag. Be modest. 

• Don't talk to strangers. 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is direct characterization?

• Reactions of other characters give us information we need

• We learn about a character through their physical appearance

• We learn about a character through their thoughts

• An author tells you directly about a character

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CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How can an author show that a character has grown or changed by the end of the story?

• By changing the setting of the story.

• By introducing new characters in the final chapters.

• By showing differences in the character's decisions or attitudes.

• By making the character physically taller.

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CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can dialogue reveal about a character?

• The character's favorite color.

• The author's personal opinions.

• The character's background and personality.

• The length of the story.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What role does a character's background play in a story?

• It is only mentioned for decoration and has no real importance.

• It influences the character's traits, motivations, and actions.

• It determines the physical setting of the entire story.

• It is always unrelated to the plot.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What type of character shows different sides of their personality and is considered well-developed?

• Round

• Flat

• Dynamic

• Static

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CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following best describes a "static" character?

• A character who undergoes significant changes throughout the story.

• A character who remains largely the same throughout the story.

• A character who only appears in static settings.

• A character who is only mentioned in passing.

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A character is too scared to try anything new. After he gets hurt and has to spend two months in a wheelchair, he can't wait to try rock climbing like his dad has always begged him.

• the character is round

• the character is dynamic

• the character is flat

• the character is static

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CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

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CCSS.RL.9-10.3