Exploring Character Development in Literature with Taylor Swift

Picture this: Benjamin starts off shy and reserved, but by the final chorus of his story, he’s shining bright—confident and outgoing. Which term best describes a character like Benjamin, who changes so much from the first verse to the last?

• Static

• Dynamic

• Minor

• Flat

Hannah is spinning her story like a catchy melody, and she wants her main character to feel as real as the lyrics in a heartfelt song. Why is it so important for her to craft a backstory for her character?

• To provide comic relief

• To explain the character’s motivations

• To describe the setting

• To introduce the antagonist

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization, like a lyric that tells you exactly how the story feels?

Julie is described in her story as “brave and determined.”

• The author describes Julie as “brave and determined.”

• Julie helps a friend in need.

• Julie runs away from danger.

• Julie’s friends talk about her.

In the story of Benjamin, if he’s described as a “static” character, what does that mean? Is he shaking it off and changing, or is he staying the same, like a classic Taylor Swift chorus?

• The character changes a lot.

• The character stays the same.

• The character is the main character.

• The character is the villain.

Which of the following is like a Taylor Swift lyric, showing who a character really is through what they do? For example, Benjamin donates money to charity.

• Benjamin donates money to charity.

• Benjamin’s hair color is described.

• The setting is described in detail.

• The story’s theme is explained.

At the start of the school year, Carlos was all about his own story, but by the final bell, he was sharing his world and lifting up his classmates. What does this say about his journey?

• The character is a minor character

• The character is a static character

• The character has undergone development

• The character is the antagonist

Benjamin is writing a story about Hannah, and it’s like a song unfolding. How can Benjamin let us feel Hannah’s growth as a character, without spelling it out in the lyrics?

• By describing the setting

• By showing changes in Hannah’s actions and decisions

• By listing Hannah’s favorite foods

• By explaining the plot

Julie is reading a novel for her class, and she’s feeling all the feels. Which of the following would be the best way for her to track how a character’s story changes, like a song’s bridge that shifts the whole vibe?

• Tracking the character’s actions and thoughts at different points in the story

• Memorizing the character’s name

• Counting the number of chapters in the book

• Listing all the settings in the story

After reading a story, you notice that Benjamin starts to shine brighter after facing some tough times. Which lyric from the text best shows how he’s changed and become more responsible?

• Benjamin starts doing his homework without being told.

• Benjamin’s favorite color is blue.

• The story takes place in winter.

• Benjamin has a pet dog.

Julie starts the school year feeling like she’s in the background, a little shy and quiet. But then she meets Carlos, and suddenly, she’s shining brighter and feeling more fearless. Which statement best captures how this friendship changes the story’s theme, like a new chorus in a song?

• It shows that friendship can help people grow and change.

• It makes the story longer.

• It introduces a new setting.

• It adds more characters to the story.