Plot. A plot is a series of events related to a central conflict, or struggle. A plot includes the introduction of a conflict, its development, and its resolution. In a short story, the events in the plot usually lead from one to the next. Review the parts of a plot in Elements of Fiction on page 532. As you read “Luke Baldwin’s Vow,” try to identify the climax—or high point of suspense—in the story.
Character. A character is a person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work. One-dimensional characters are characters who exhibit a single quality or character trait. Three-dimensional characters are characters who seem to have all the complexities of an actual human being. As you read, make a list of the characters in the story. Are there any characters in the story that show only a single quality or character trait? If so, which one(s)?
|
• A coming-of-age story is a tale in which a young person makes a discovery about himself or herself or about the world. In this type of story, the main character is often faced with a challenge. The way in which the character deals with this challenge usually teaches a moral or a value, such as responsibility or honesty. Because of this experience, the main character may also gain maturity.
• A coming-of-age story also allows different generations to learn from each other. Younger generations may gain wisdom from older generations, while older generations may find new ideas and renewed spirit in learning about younger generations. In “Luke Baldwin’s Vow,” Luke, the main character, faces a challenge, and the result of his experience helps him decide what kind of person he wants to become.
You may want to draw a picture map to help you visualize the plot of the story as you read. Make a series of pictures with short captions to represent the important situations or events within the story. Draw arrows to show the sequence of pictures. The first picture is shown as an example.
Would you describe yourself as practical, idealistic, or somewhere in between? Explain your answer.
|
