How Characters Respond to Events
Basics on the topic How Characters Respond to Events
Let's see how Hewie, Ari, and Zayd respond to events and learn how that helps us know more about characters in a story!
Transcript How Characters Respond to Events
It's the middle of August, and the temperature is so hot that it's set a new record! It looks like Zayd, Ari, and Hewie are really feeling it. Let's find out how they try and stay cool by seeing... How Characters Respond to Events. In a story, characters respond to events and challenges by... making choices and/or learning lessons. How they respond to major events in a story can tell us more about a character. Let's see how Hewie responded to a major event or challenge first. The pool looked like a great place to cool off, but oh no! It looked like there was a leak in the hose somewhere. Hewie had an idea and rushed to check the faucet, realizing it just needed to be tightened. What was the challenge or major event Hewie faced? (...) He wanted to fill up the pool with water to cool off, but the hose was leaking. How did Hewie respond? (...) He went to check the faucet and tightened the hose, so he solved the problem. This tells the reader that Hewie likes to take action when faced with a problem. Now, let's see how Zayd responded to a major event or challenge. When the pool was filled, they all excitedly got in the water, but it felt warm. "This water isn't cold!" Zayd groaned as he splashed the water in rage. Now the pool would need to be filled up again! What was the challenge or major event Zayd faced? (...) Zayd felt angry that the water didn't help him feel cool. How did Zayd respond? (...) He groaned and splashed water out of the pool because he was mad. What does this tell us about Zayd? (...) Zayd reacted to the problem with the emotion: anger. Zayd could have handled the problem differently, and could have taken a calmer approach to the situation! Finally, let's see how Ari responded to a major event or challenge. After the pool filled back up, Ari decided they wanted to try and make the water cold. They tapped their wand and nothing happened. "I'm going to try again, I can do this," Ari said with a determined look. What was the challenge or major event Ari faced? (...) The pool water was warm and would not cool them off. How did Ari respond? (...) Ari tried to make the water cool with their wand but their spell didn't work, so they tried again. What does this tell us about Ari? (...) Ari is optimistic and feels confident they can solve the problem. Instead of giving up or feeling upset, Ari decided they want to try again. Before we see if Ari's second try works, let's remember! In a story, characters respond to events and challenges by... making choices and/or learning lessons. How they respond to major events in a story can tell us more about a character. "Okay here we go!" [Ari looks at the pool and sees they've made the water so cold it's frozen and Zayd and Hewie are frozen as well] "Whoops! Not to worry, I'm sure in this heat you'll thaw out in no time!"
How Characters Respond to Events exercise
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How do characters respond to events and challenges in a story?
HintsRemember, characters have to make a choice of how they will respond to a problem.
Once a character makes a choice, they will learn a lesson based on the choice they made.
There are two correct answers.
SolutionCharacters respond to events and challenges by making choices and/or learning lessons.
In the story, Hewie makes the choice to fix the faucet. They learn that they can solve their own problems!
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What was the major event or challenge Zayd and Ari faced?
HintsRemember, the challenge or major event in the story is when something happens that the characters may not expect.
The challenge or major event has to be part of the story you read.
SolutionThe challenge or major event in this story is when Zayd and Ari got a flat tire while driving. Thankfully, they were able to work together to fix it!
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What can choices tell us about a character?
HintsRemember, Ari was able to solve their problem by opening a window.
Remember, how characters react to an event can tell us more about their personality.
Solution1. What was the challenge or major event Ari faced? Ari was too hot to fall asleep.
2. How did Ari respond? Ari opened their window for a breeze.
3. What does this tell the reader about Ari's character? That Ari can solve their own problems.
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What does this character's response tell the reader?
HintsRemember, when it started to rain, Hewie used their towel as an umbrella, and waited patiently for the rain to stop.
Hewie never got mad, or showed any anger. Instead, Hewie patiently waited for the storm to pass.
SolutionWhen Hewie was faced with a challenge, they came up with a solution. They were clever to use their beach towel as an umbrella. They were also patient, as they waited for the bad weather to go away.
Hewie's response tells the reader that Hewie is patient and clever.
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How can the reader learn about characters based on personality traits?
HintsRemember, we are learning about how characters respond to events in a story.
Remember, personality traits are based on how a character acts or behaves.
SolutionWe can learn more about a character based on their personality by how they respond to major events in a story.
For example, when Zayd was faced with the problem of the pool being warm, he reacted with anger. This tells the reader that Zayd will react to problems with emotions, in this case, anger.
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How do characters respond to this major event?
HintsRemember to match the pairs together based on how characters responded to the major event.
Read the pairs out loud to see if they go together.
In this story, the major event was Zayd forgetting to pack his sandwich. How did Zayd act? How did Hewie act?
SolutionHewie responded to the major event by solving the problem by offering half his sandwich to his friend.
From the way Hewie responded, the reader can tell they like to take action and solve problems.
Zayd responded to the major event by getting angry he forgot his sandwich.
From the way Zayd responded, the reader can tell they respond with emotions first, then calm down once the problem is solved.
