The Backstage Debt - Comparing and contrasting characters (Grade 6)

What is Arlo's main reason for sneaking backstage?

• He wants to explore a place no one has been in years.

• He wants to find a lost medal for Mr. Cyrus to show his gratitude.

• He is trying to find the source of a mysterious thumping noise.

• He is looking for a place to hide from his friend Troy.

Answer explanation

The passage states, "It's for Mr. Cyrus, the old janitor. He lost his retirement medal... I have to find it for him. It's my way of saying thank you." This shows his motivation is based on gratitude.

Which sentence best describes the main difference between Arlo and Troy at the beginning of the story?

• Arlo is brave and Troy is scared.

• Arlo is motivated by gratitude, while Troy is motivated by adventure.

• Both characters are excited to explore the backstage area.

• Arlo wants to get into trouble, but Troy is cautious.

Answer explanation

Arlo's goal is to repay a kindness, as he says he wants to find the medal for Mr. Cyrus. Troy's dialogue, "Isn't this great?" and his desire to check out the noise show he is there for the thrill.

What does Troy's change in tone to a "quieter and more serious" voice suggest?

• He is now more scared of the noise than Arlo is.

• He is annoyed that the adventure is ruined.

• He is bored and wants to leave immediately.

• He now understands and respects Arlo's mission.

Answer explanation

After learning about Arlo's gratitude towards Mr. Cyrus, Troy's expression softens and his voice becomes serious. This shows he is no longer just seeking a thrill but wants to support his friend's meaningful goal.

At the start of the story, which character is more excited to be in the theater?

• Arlo

• Troy

• Mr. Cyrus

• Both are equally excited.

Answer explanation

The passage says Troy whispered, "Isn't this great?" with a voice "full of excitement," while Arlo's voice was a "squeak" and he felt it was "wrong" to be there.

What kind act did Mr. Cyrus do for Arlo in the past?

• He gave Arlo a retirement medal.

• He helped Arlo fix his bike.

• He shared his lunch with Arlo.

• He helped Arlo explore the backstage area.

Answer explanation

The passage directly states Arlo's reason for being grateful: "He was so kind to me last year when I was having a tough time. He always shared his lunch with me."

Categorize the following traits based on which character they describe in the story.

Groups:

(a) Describes Arlo

,

(b) Describes Troy

• Impulsive

• Cautious

• Grateful

• Supportive in the end

• Nervous

• Thrill-seeking

Answer explanation

Arlo is nervous and cautious about being backstage but is driven by gratitude. Troy is thrill-seeking and impulsive at first, wanting to investigate noises, but becomes supportive once he understands Arlo's reason.

Match the character's dialogue to the feeling or motivation it reveals.

• Excitement for adventure

• "I have to find it for him."

• Fear and hesitation

• "Okay... Let's find the medal."

• Determination from gratitude

• "Isn't this great?"

• A shift to being helpful

• "I don't know, Troy... It feels wrong."

Answer explanation

Troy's question shows his excitement. Arlo's statement shows his fear. Arlo's declaration about the medal reveals his determined gratitude. Troy's final agreement shows his change in attitude to being helpful.

Compare the way Arlo and Troy speak to each other at the beginning of the story with how they speak at the end. How does the change in their dialogue show a difference in their attitudes? Support your answer with at least one quote for each character.

Answer explanation