Literature: Character & Plot Flashcards

In a story, the author describes a character who is always the first to help others and never asks for anything in return. What trait does this character show?

Answer: selflessness

Always helping others without expecting anything back is the trait of selflessness.

A student reads: 'After years of practicing piano, Ana finally played her piece perfectly at the recital.' Which plot element does this sentence MOST LIKELY represent?

Answer: resolution

Ana achieving her goal after years of practice shows the conflict has been resolved.

Which detail would BEST help a reader understand a character's personality?

Answer: The character donates her birthday money to an animal shelter.

A character's actions, like donating money, reveal personality traits such as generosity.

What happens during the RISING ACTION of a story?

Answer: Events build up tension and make the conflict worse.

Rising action includes the events that build tension leading up to the climax.

A character is described as brave when talking to friends but freezes when she has to speak to adults. What does this show about her character?

Answer: She behaves differently depending on the situation.

Behaving differently around different people shows that the character's actions are situation-dependent.

In a story, Ben's best friend moves away. Ben feels sad, but he decides to write letters and plan visits. What does Ben's response to the conflict reveal?

Answer: Ben is resourceful and does not let problems stop him.

Finding positive ways to stay connected shows Ben is resourceful and resilient.

Which sentence from a story is an example of INDIRECT characterization?

Answer: Without saying a word, Priya handed her lunch to the hungry stray cat.

Indirect characterization shows personality through actions rather than telling the reader directly.