Analyze Characters to Determine Theme

What are some common character responses in a story?

• theme, symbolism, foreshadowing

• narrator, point of view, tone

• setting, plot, conflict

• dialogue, actions, thoughts, emotions

What are some common character motivations for their responses?

• personal desires, fear, love, revenge, survival, loyalty, curiosity

• disgust, pride, ambition, despair, hope, frustration

• jealousy, greed, apathy, trust, excitement, contentment

• hunger, boredom, laziness, happiness, anger, confusion

The message of the story is also called the __________.

• Resolution

• Theme

• Message

• Setting

break down to examine the important parts to determine the meaning

• conclude

• analyze

• dialogue

• reveal

the lesson the author is trying to convey or teach

• character traits

• main idea

• detail

• theme

Read the following passage and determine the theme. How is this theme conveyed through specific details in the text?

• The importance of friendship, conveyed through the characters' support for each other.

• The struggle for power, conveyed through the characters' conflicts.

• The journey of self-discovery, conveyed through the protagonist's reflections.

• The impact of technology, conveyed through the setting and events.

Answer explanation

The theme of the importance of friendship is conveyed through the characters' unwavering support for one another, highlighting how their bonds help them overcome challenges and grow together.

Analyze the impact of the phrase "a storm of emotions" in the text. What does this phrase suggest about the character's state of mind?

• The character is calm and collected.

• The character is experiencing intense and conflicting feelings.

• The character is indifferent to the situation.

• The character is feeling joyful and carefree.

Answer explanation

The phrase "a storm of emotions" indicates turmoil and complexity in the character's feelings, suggesting they are experiencing intense and conflicting feelings rather than being calm, indifferent, or joyful.

Determine the theme of the story. How is this theme developed through the plot and character interactions?

• The theme of perseverance, developed through the characters' challenges and triumphs.

• The theme of betrayal, developed through the characters' deceitful actions.

• The theme of adventure, developed through the characters' travels.

• The theme of love, developed through the characters' relationships.

Answer explanation

The theme of perseverance is evident as characters face significant challenges and ultimately triumph over them, showcasing their resilience and determination throughout the story.

Cite textual evidence to support the inference that the antagonist is motivated by jealousy. Which detail best supports this inference?

• The antagonist helps the protagonist achieve their goals.

• The antagonist spreads rumors about the protagonist.

• The antagonist ignores the protagonist's success.

• The antagonist congratulates the protagonist sincerely.

Answer explanation

The detail that the antagonist spreads rumors about the protagonist clearly indicates jealousy, as it shows a desire to undermine the protagonist's reputation rather than support them.

Analyze how the use of the word "whispered" in the dialogue impacts the reader's understanding of the scene. What does it suggest about the characters' interaction?

• The characters are having a loud and public argument.

• The characters are sharing a secret or private moment.

• The characters are indifferent to each other.

• The characters are confused and uncertain.

Answer explanation

The use of "whispered" indicates intimacy and secrecy, suggesting that the characters are sharing a private moment. This choice of word contrasts with loud interactions, reinforcing a sense of closeness in their dialogue.