plot tone

Main Conflict of 'Five Characters in Search of an Exit'

The characters are trying to figure out who they are, where they are, and how to escape the cylinder.

Climax of 'Five Characters in Search of an Exit'

When the major climbs out and we discover they’re actually dolls in a toy donation barrel.

Theme in 'Five Characters in Search of an Exit'

Identity and meaning are shaped by forces outside our control, but humans still search for purpose.

Main Conflict of 'The American Embassy'

Whether the woman will reveal her son’s death to gain sympathy for a visa, or protect his memory.

Climax of 'The American Embassy'

When she chooses not to tell the consular officer about her child.

Theme in 'The American Embassy'

Trauma reshapes a person’s choices, especially in systems where power is unequal.

Main Conflict of 'Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen'

Whether the tradition of the rich man feeding the poor man will continue, even when it becomes harmful.

Situational Irony in 'Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen'

The feast meant to help the poor man actually makes him sick, and the rich man faints instead.

Theme in 'Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen'

Traditions lose their value when followed blindly without considering real consequences.

Main Conflict of 'A Night Face Up'

Whether the man will escape the Aztecs hunting him.

Plot Twist in 'A Night Face Up'

The 'modern hospital world' is the dream — the Aztec sacrifice world is real.

Theme in 'A Night Face Up'

The mind can blur reality, and what feels safe might be the illusion.

Main Conflict of 'By Any Other Name'

Whether the girls can maintain their cultural identity under British colonial pressure.

Climax of 'By Any Other Name'

When the sisters decide they won’t let the name changes affect who they truly are.

Theme in 'By Any Other Name'

Names can be changed, but cultural identity remains strong.

How to write the main conflict of any story?

Write it as a question about the main struggle, like 'will the boys survive?' or 'will juror 8 convince the others?'

What does the climax do?

It answers the conflict question.

Main Conflict in 'Lord of the Flies'

Will the boys maintain civilization, or will they descend into savagery?

Type of Conflict in 'Lord of the Flies'

Person vs society / person vs self (Ralph vs the group, Ralph vs his own fear).

Climax of 'Lord of the Flies'

When the boys kill Simon, mistaking him for the beast.

Main Conflict in '12 Angry Men'

Will juror 8 convince the other jurors to reconsider the evidence, or will the boy be found guilty without discussion?

Type of Conflict in '12 Angry Men'

Person vs society / person vs person (juror 8 vs the rest).

Climax of '12 Angry Men'

When juror 3 breaks down and finally says 'not guilty.'

Main Conflict in 'Of Mice and Men'

Will George and Lennie achieve their dream of owning land and being independent?

Type of Conflict in 'Of Mice and Men'

Person vs society / person vs fate / person vs self.

Climax of 'Of Mice and Men'

When Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife.

What are the 5 plot points in a story?

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.

How to identify plot points?

Look for the introduction to characters + setting, drama building, biggest turning point, fallout from the climax, and new normal.

What counts as a plot twist?

When new info late in the story changes how you see characters, setting, or conflict.

How does a plot twist affect the reader?

You rethink everything you thought you knew.

What is a parallel plot line?

Two storylines happening at the same time that reflect or contrast each other.

Example of a story using a parallel plot line

'A Night Face Up' (hospital world vs Aztec world).

What is tone in literature?

The author’s attitude.

How is tone conveyed?

Through word choice, dialogue, description, and pacing.

What is mood in literature?

How the reader feels.

How is mood created in literature?

Through setting, imagery, sensory details, and atmosphere.

Difference between tone and mood?

Tone is the author’s energy; mood is the reader’s experience.

Can tone and mood differ?

Yes, the author might be sarcastic while the mood feels sad.

How does setting affect tone & mood?

Setting creates the emotional backdrop.

What is situational irony?

When the opposite of what you expect happens.

Story with situational irony

'Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen.'

What to analyze on the test?

Be ready to analyze NEW passages for plot structure, tone + mood, conflict + climax, irony, theme.