Literature: Character & Plot Flashcards

In a story, Maya refuses to share her lunch with a new student even though she feels guilty. Which word BEST describes Maya's character?

Answer: selfish

Maya's action of not sharing despite feeling guilty shows selfish behavior.

A story begins with a boy finding a lost puppy, then shows him searching for the owner, and ends with a joyful reunion. What is this sequence called?

Answer: plot

The sequence of events from beginning to end makes up the story's plot.

Which story event would MOST LIKELY be the climax?

Answer: A lost hiker finally spots a rescue helicopter and waves it down.

The climax is the most exciting turning point, where the main problem reaches its peak.

A character says one thing but does the opposite throughout a story. What does this reveal about the character?

Answer: The character is not honest.

When a character's words and actions don't match, it shows they are not being honest or trustworthy.

In a story, Lily started as shy and afraid to speak in class, but by the end she gives a speech in front of the whole school. Lily is BEST described as a:

Answer: dynamic character

A dynamic character changes significantly over the course of a story.

Which of the following is an example of a character's motivation?

Answer: Sam wants to win the race so he can make his sick grandfather proud.

Motivation is the reason a character wants something or acts a certain way.

A story's problem is that a girl lost her science project the night before it is due. What part of the plot structure does this represent?

Answer: conflict

The conflict is the main problem or struggle the character must face.