Short Story Test Prep Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the 5 parts of a story?
The five parts of a story is the Plot, Characters, Theme, Setting, and Point of View
What are character traits?
Character traits are the qualities of a character. They can be moral, physical, and mental.
What is the difference between a round and a flat character?
Round characters usually resemble real people and possess a fully developed personality. On the other hand, a flat character is one dimensional and is normally a stereotype.
What is the difference between a static and a dynamic character?
A dynamic character undergoes a significant change throughout the story while static characters maintains the same until the end.
Can a round character be static? Why or why not?
Yes, they can because not all characters are required to go through a significant change in the story. If they did, it would be difficult to follow events and keep up.
Define “theme” and discuss how it is different from a topic or genre of a story.
The theme is the important idea of a story. It is different from a topic or genre because a topic or genre is driven by the specific facts while a theme focuses more on the bigger picture and why the story is important.
How can a reader find the theme of a story?
The reader can find the theme by asking these questions: Did the main characters undergo change? Did their perspectives evolve? What is the authors outlook?
Define “simile” and provide an example.
A comparison using “like” or “as”
Example: “Brave as a lion”
Define “onomatopoeia” and write an example.
A word, or group of words that represents a sound
Example: Zap, Boom, Chirp, etc.
Define “colloquialism” and provide an example.
Use of informal language that lends a sense of realism to the characters and their dialogue.
Example (Local): Raincouver, Vancity, the Island, etc.
Define “allusion” and write an example.
Author makes an indirect reference of a figure, place, or idea from outside of the text
Example: “Don’t be such a Scrooge.”
Define “personification” and write an example
When a nonhuman figure, abstract concept, or element is describe as having human-like qualities
Example: “The trees were waving in the wind”
How are metaphors and similes different?
Metaphors use comparison without “like or “as” while similes do.
What is the Exposition?
Introduces basis of story and reveals characters, setting, point of view, and other components.
Why do authors use literary devices?
Authors use literary devices to better express certain ideas and focus on different concepts by using text.
What is the Climax?
The main character receives, accepts, and acts on new information. This is where the story reaches its turning point and is the most exciting part of the plot.
What is 2nd Person?
Story is told by the narrator and is addressing the
reader.
Ex. “You found yourself hungry in the middle of the night”
(give examples of pronouns)
What is the Rising Action?
Part of the story where everything gets complicated and where conflicts are introduced.
What is the Falling Action?
Where the resolution begins and everything falls into place and gets explained, taking a less hectic pace.
What is 1st Person?
Story is told by the protagonist or by someone close to the main character.
Ex. I went to the grocery store with my friend.
(give examples of pronouns)
What is 3rd Person?
Told by the narrator who sees everything that is going on (sees all the action, feelings, thoughts, etc.)
Ex. He walked into the movie theater with his family.
(give examples of pronouns)
What is the Resolution/Conclusion?
Is where all events come to an end, and is the conclusion of the story’s plot.
What are the 5 aspects of Setting?
Place, Time, Weather, Mood, Social Conditions
