Character Development and Theme

What is the best definition of THEME?

• universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 

• location and time of the story

• events that occur in the story

• author's reason for writing a story

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

Explain how a character's actions and decisions can reveal the theme of a story.

• A character's actions and decisions can reveal the theme of a story by showing their values, beliefs, and motivations.

• A character's actions and decisions can reveal the theme of a story by the setting or location of the story.

• A character's actions and decisions can reveal the theme of a story by the weather or time of day.

• A character's actions and decisions can reveal the theme of a story by random chance or coincidence.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

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CCSS.RL.6.2

What are some common techniques authors use to develop characters and themes simultaneously?

• Metaphors, alliteration, and point of view

• Irony, plot twists, and dialogue

• Rhyming, repetition, and setting description

• Symbolism, foreshadowing, and character actions

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

Based on the interactions between characters, what theme can be inferred from this passage?

• A positive attitude makes all the difference.

• Things aren’t always what they seem.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

Why are themes important in literature?

• They're not

• Because

• They help us learn about ourselves and others

• They teach us themes

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

A theme should be a statement, not just one word. 

• TRUE

• FALSE

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

A novel can have more than one theme.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• Skim through the story

• Just read the beginning of the story

• Think about what the character has learned

• Read the ending of the story

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.

• Don't brag. Be modest. 

• Don't talk to strangers. 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

Adrian wanted to dunk a basketball more than anything. He would not give up until he could do it. He would work in the gym for hours practicing his steps and jumping at just the right time.

Adrian is...

• sad

• lazy

• determined

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3