"Karen was small for her age and inclined to plumpness. Her blue eyes viewed the people and events around her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. She was not a woman, but she was past being a child; too sophisticated for toys, she might still, on impulse, turn a somersault on the living room rug."

'"But why can't I go?" Karen wailed. "Everyone else is going. You never let me go anywhere! You just don't want me to grow up and have fun!' Karen wheeled around and stormed out of the house slamming the door behind her.

"I've known Karen for a long time, ever since first grade. We've been best friends since last year. I like her because...well, I guess it's because she is always so happy and sure of herself and she's good at things like baseball, ans swimming and painting and stuff." Joanie paused, then added, " Everybody at school likes her."

"The sunlight trickled between the slates of the bamboo blinds. Karen stretched luxuriously , pleasantly aware of the tingling sensation in her muscles. She really ought to get up, she thought. Sally was coming over at eleven. Maybe she should make some sandwiches so they could eat out in the backyard. Mrs. Henly was taking them to the beach in the afternoon. She should finish that letter to Peggy...maybe she would tonight...if she remembered...and if she had time.

Alex shut the lid to his laptop with a loud clap. Some of the people sitting at the tables near him looked up from their books and gave him annoyed looks. Alex realized that he had disturbed them and held up his hand apologetically. The librarian turned toward him and shushed him loudly, perhaps louder than the noise that he had made. Alex put the laptop in his bag and began walking toward the door. He held his head down low.

Which of the following choices is evidence that the setting is a library?

In the passage below, what can you infer about Randolph using clues from the setting?

One summer day, Randolph the Bright slept alone in his room in the castle at Reddington. The light of the morning seeped slowly through his curtains. Randolph blinked against the day, smiling as his dream came to a peaceful conclusion.

An author usually does not state the theme in the story. You must use clues and infer his idea.

You can get clues about a story's theme from

The character, thing, or event which is OPPOSING the main character is...

Characterization is the process of revealing character traits, in order to enhance a story's flow and ability to captivate an audience.

A character that has many different sides, and is fully developed is...

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

A character who doesn't change throughout the story is a

At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Smith is very upset that she must teach kindergarten this year. She is worried that she won’t know how to treat the young students. At the end of the story, Mrs. Smith is sad that she won’t be teaching kindergarten next year, because this was the best school year she’s ever had. Mrs. Smith is a _______________ character.

Keith must find a way to earn $100 before the end of the month if he wants to go on an expensive field trip at school. His brother, who is jealous of him, tries to thwart his efforts to earn money. His brother is most likely the_____________.

In this story, the bus driver’s name is Al. The reader knows his name, and that he drives the bus every day. Al doesn’t participate in the plot other than driving the bus. Al is likely a _________________ character.

John is a doctor working against the clock to find a cure for a disease that is threatening the human race. Despite all odds, he meets the challenge. John is the

the character who causes the conflict the main character must face

In this story, Bryan is the main character’s brother. At the beginning of the story, he makes fun of the main character because of her hair cut. At the end of the story, he continues to make fun of the character. Bryan is most likely a

A ______ is any person, animal, or figure represented in a work of literature.

the character/force in conflict with the main character

a character we know a lot about

a character we don't know much about

a character who undergoes an important internal change throughout the story

a character mentioned only briefly in the story

A protagonist is more likely to be a sympathetic character than an antagonist.

Minor characters are crucial to plot development.

Joanna is an astronaut who has been sent to rescue several people from a spaceship that has broken down just outside of Earth's orbit. She faces many challenges and has a limited amount of time. Joanna is the...

At the beginning of the story, Tina wants to quit her dance team because another girl made a mean comment about her dancing. At the end of the story, Tina is the captain of the dance team and goes out of her way to make everyone feel like they belong. Tina is...

At the protagonist's school, there is a greeter named Mrs. Robinson. The protagonist says hello to her every morning but doesn't interact with her otherwise. Mrs. Robinson is...

Readers learn that the protagonist, Maria, is fourteen years old. She has recently moved to town, and misses her friends. She likes her older sister a lot, but doesn't like her little brother all of the time. She worries that her teeth are crooked and that she has a difficult time reading. When she grows up, she wants to be a television writer. Maria is likely a ....

In the story, Thomas is the protagonist's next door neighbor. Thomas is about fourteen, and he thinks the protagonist is a nice kid. Other than that, the reader does not know that much about him. Thomas is most likely...

Kathy has missed her bus and must find a way to get home before her little sister so that she can get into the house. Kathy is most likely the ...

At the beginning of the story, Rosa discovers that another girl in her class, Tamara, has copied her homework, and is blaming her for cheating. Tamara is likely the...

Barry was well known for his arrogance and lack of empathy for others. After he endures a serious hardship, Barry understands the struggles of others and is a kinder, more sympathetic person. Barry is likely....

Pinocchio is a selfish, lying child. He changes into a truthful hero. This is an example of?

Princesses are all considered what type of character?

This character or force battles against the protagonist.

Which of the following is considered an example of "INDIRECT" characterization?

The man was strolling through town waving at people of all ages.

He scratched his head as the teacher explained the engine performance diagnostic computer.

The boy was patient as he waited for his little sister to take her turn.

As she boarded the camp bus butterflies swarmed in Julie's belly.

He bounded into the room, his smile shining for all to see. (What trait is revealed?)

She tiptoed into the crowded room, hoping no one noticed. (What trait is revealed?)

Ava glared at her teacher as he explained the project. It was just too much! (How does Ava feel?)

He shuffled toward the bathroom door. It was not going to be an easy morning.

She was a cheerful, upbeat person. Is this an example of direct or indirect characterization?

Clarissa saw what Jeff had done to Mark, and she quietly picked up her tray and went to sit with Mark. She cut her own sandwich in half and gave Mark half. Then, she started to talk to Mark about his favorite television show until he forgot all about Jeff. What does this tell us about Clarissa and how can infer that? (Think of STRAL!)

Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

What are personality traits of a character?

What drives a character's actions and decisions?

How do character relationships impact the story?

What is an example of indirect characterization in The Outsiders?

What is a character foil?

What is an example of direct characterization from The Outsiders? (Choose the most accurate answer)

What type of character is Soda in The Outsiders?

Which characters seem the most different, but have much in common in The Outsiders?

How do character relationships impact the story?

What type of character is Dally in The Outsiders?