English Signpost Notes

Aha Moment

A character’s realization that shifts his actions or understanding of himself, others, or the world around him.

Aha Moment Follow-up Question

How might this change things?

Tough Question

Questions a character raises that reveal his or her inner struggles.

Tough Question Follow-up Question

What does this question make me wonder about?

Words of the Wiser

The advice or insight a wiser character offers about life to the main character.

Words of the Wiser Follow-up Question

What’s the life lesson and how might it affect the character?

Memory Moment

A recollection by a character that interrupts the forward progress of the story.

Memory Moment Follow-up Question

Why might this memory be important?

Contrasts and Contradictions

A sharp contrast between what we would expect and what we observe the characters doing.

Contrasts and Contradictions Follow-up Question

Why is the character doing that?

Again and Again

Events, images, or particular words that recur over a portion of the novel.

Again and Again Follow-up Question

Why does this keep happening again and again?