The Spilled Tray - Comparing and contrasting characters (Grade 7)

What is the main reason Finley gives for not wanting Nathan to tell the truth?

• He is afraid that Brock will make their lives miserable.

• He thinks Tanner deserved to get in trouble.

• He doesn't want to be late for his next class.

• He is good friends with Brock and his group.

Answer explanation

Finley explicitly states his fear when he says, 'If you say something, he’ll make our lives miserable. We’ll be targets next.' This shows his motivation is fear of social consequences.

How do Nathan's and Finley's points of view on the situation contrast the most?

• Nathan is angry at Brock, while Finley is amused by the situation.

• Nathan focuses on fairness and doing the right thing, while Finley focuses on personal safety and avoiding conflict.

• Nathan wants to get Brock in trouble, while Finley wants to protect Brock.

• Both characters are scared, but Nathan is better at hiding it.

Answer explanation

Nathan's dialogue ('But it's not fair') shows his focus on justice. Finley's dialogue ('Just stay out of it... We'll be targets next') shows his focus on avoiding trouble. This is the central contrast between them.

What does Nathan's final action of standing up and walking toward the monitor suggest about his character?

• He has decided to ignore Finley's advice.

• He is going to ask for a mop to help Tanner.

• He is afraid of the lunch monitor and wants to leave.

• He has chosen to act on his belief in fairness, despite his fear.

Answer explanation

Nathan feels 'nervous' but knows what he 'had to do.' This shows he is overcoming his fear to do what he believes is right, which is telling the truth about the unfair situation.

What did Nathan see that Finley also witnessed?

• Tanner slipping on a wet spot on the floor.

• The lunch monitor helping Tanner clean up the mess.

• Brock sticking his foot out to trip Tanner on purpose.

• Tanner laughing with Brock before the accident.

Answer explanation

The passage states, 'Nathan saw the whole thing. Brock had stuck his foot out, tripping Tanner on purpose.' He then says to Finley, 'Brock tripped him,' indicating they both saw the same event.

The dialogue between Nathan and Finley primarily serves to do what?

• Show that the two boys are not really friends.

• Explain in detail how the school cafeteria operates.

• Create a debate between the ideas of moral courage and self-preservation.

• Give the reader background information about Tanner, the new student.

Answer explanation

The conversation highlights the story's central conflict. Nathan argues for doing the right thing (moral courage), while Finley argues for staying safe and uninvolved (self-preservation).

Categorize the following descriptions and phrases based on which character's perspective they represent in the story.

Groups:

(a) Nathan's Perspective

,

(b) Finley's Perspective

• Values personal safety over justice

• Says 'It's not our problem'

• Is motivated by fear of popular kids

• Believes in standing up for others

• Acts despite feeling nervous

• Feels that an injustice has occurred

Answer explanation

These categories separate the traits, words, and motivations of the two main characters. Nathan's actions and thoughts are driven by a sense of fairness, while Finley's are driven by fear and a desire to avoid conflict.

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

• A desire to avoid involvement

• “We’ll be targets next.”

• A strong sense of justice

• “Just stay out of it.”

• Fear of future consequences

• “But it’s not fair.”

• An attempt to shift blame

• “He was running and just slipped.”

Answer explanation

Nathan's line shows his concern for fairness. Finley's warning about being 'targets' reveals his fear. Brock's lie is a clear attempt to blame Tanner. Finley's plea to 'stay out of it' shows his wish to not get involved.

Imagine a different situation where a student is being unfairly teased online by a popular classmate. Based on the passage, how would Nathan's likely response contrast with Finley's? Use specific evidence from their dialogue to support your answer.

Answer explanation