Screenplay Analysis Quiz

Reread paragraphs 1–4 of the screenplay and notice how these paragraphs appear to be handwritten by the narrator. How does this handwritten introduction affect the reader’s understanding of the other characters?

• It helps readers understand that the other characters think the narrator is guilty.

• It encourages readers to believe that the other characters are just as scared as the narrator.

• It convinces readers that their view of the characters will be different from the narrator’s view.

• It helps readers understand that their view of the other characters is affected by the narrator’s state of mind.

Why is paragraph 5 important to the screenplay?

• It describes the camera’s movement.

• It explains that the story is set in Manhattan.

• It establishes that the story is about crime.

• It informs the audience about the time of day.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A Which statement can be inferred about Steve based on details from the screenplay?

• He’s creative.

• He’s innocent.

• He’s inquisitive.

• He’s underweight.

Which quotation from the screenplay best supports the answer to Part A?

• I’m not hungry. (paragraph 13)

• You think we’re going to win? (paragraph 23)

• Any questions you have, write them down . . . (paragraph 38)

• I’m writing this whole thing down as a movie. (paragraph 39)

Together, what purpose do these two direction lines in paragraphs 17–18 serve in the screenplay? FADE OUT as last prisoner from the van enters rear of courthouse. FADE IN: INTERIOR COURTHOUSE. We are in a small room used for prisoner-lawyer interviews. A guard sits at a desk behind STEVE.

• They suggest that Steve will be found guilty.

• They suggest that all the prisoners are going on trial.

• They indicate that there is a change of perspective.

• They indicate that the rest of the story will take place in the courthouse.

Which of these sentences from the screenplay uses a subordinating conjunction?

• Sandra Petrocelli is the prosecutor, and she’s good. (paragraph 20)

• They’re pushing for the death penalty, which is really bad. (paragraph 20)

• They go through the motions; then they lock them up. (paragraph 27)

• Anyway, just remember what we’ve been talking about. (paragraph 38)

Read this sentence from the graphic novel. Most people in our community are decent, hardworking citizens who pursue their own interests legally and without infringing on the rights of others. The word infringing comes from the Latin word infringere, meaning “to weaken.” What does infringing on mean as it is used in this sentence?

• Worsening

• Loosening

• Violating

• Stealing

Review the frame from the graphic novel that says, He is as guilty as everybody else! Which sentence best describes the impact of this frame?

• The angry and defiant look on Steve’s face indicates that he hates being behind bars.

• The words in the text and Steve’s stare prove that he is not guilty.

• The cracks in the bars of Steve’s cell help the reader understand that guilty people live in harsh conditions.

• The sad and worried look on Steve’s face and the text make the reader wonder if he belongs there.

Review the panel from the graphic novel that begins with Ms. O’Brien saying, Listen to me! What is the impact of the illustration in this panel?

• The stern look on Ms. O’Brien’s face and the glasses sitting low on her nose emphasize that she is serious.

• The shadows covering Ms. O’Brien’s eyes indicate that she is tired and doesn’t want to defend Steve.

• Ms. O’Brien’s arched eyebrows show that she is surprised at the situation.

• Ms. O’Brien’s open mouth suggests that she is yelling at Steve.

Which of the following is a text detail that appears in both the screenplay and the graphic novel?

• Ms. O’Brien says, It probably depends on what you mean by “win.”

• Ms. O’Brien asks Steve, You know what we’re doing today?

• The guard asks, Ain’t that right, bright eyes?

• Steve says, I’m not hungry.