Christmas Carol

“A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens


Study Guide Review for the Test 



Basic Plot - Be familiar with the basic plot of the story.  Refer to the questions you answered in your packets.  We went over all of these in class, so your answers should be accurate and complete.  ☺


Plot Chart – Know the definitions of the different parts of the chart and be able to provide examples.  Refer to the plot chart we did in class. 

  • Exposition (Introduction)

    • The city, calendar year and the time of the year it is set

    • Act 1, Scenes 1-  Marley acting as narrator and giving us background on Scrooge’s life.

    • Act 1, Scene 2 – Office scene with Nephew, Portly Man, Thin Man, Cratchit, and Scrooge

  • Rising Action

    • What important events happen which lead to the climax?

    • Ghost of Christmas Past – Where did he take Scrooge?  (Schoolhouse as little boy, Boarding School/Fan, Fezziwig’s, breakup with fiancé) How did Scrooge react seeing these things? 

    • Ghost of Christmas Present – Where did he take Scrooge?  (City streets, Cratchit’s home, Nephew’s home)  How did Scrooge react to seeing these things?

    • Ghost of Christmas Future – Where did he take Scrooge?  (City street/business men discussing his death, Old Joe’s/selling his stuff, Cratchit’s/Tiny Tim’s death)  How did he react to seeing these things?

  • Climax

    • What is the turning point for Scrooge?

    • Act II, Scene 4 – Ghost of Christmas Future Pointing at gravestone and Scrooge begging for mercy

  • Falling Action

    • What specific events happen after the turning point?

    • Act II, Scene 5 – Scrooge doing nice things for people and proving he’s changed.

  • Resolution

    • In his last lines spoken directly to the audience, Marley provides a clear resolution to the action after the play ends.  Do you know it?





Character Identification – You should be able to discuss the following characters and be familiar with their interactions with Scrooge:

  • Scrooge, himself

  • Bob Cratchit

  • Jacob Marley

  • Fred, Scrooge’s nephew

  • Portly Man

  • Woman (Belle)- Scrooge’s former fiancée

  • Fan, Scrooge’s sister

  • Fezziwig, Scrooge’s former boss

  • Dick Wilkins, Scrooge’s former friend and co-worker

  • Tiny Tim

  • The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (Yet to Come)



Symbolism – Be able to explain the symbolism of:

  • Jacob Marley (chains, money boxes, etc.)

  • Ghost of Christmas Past (old and young, gentle, calming)

  • Ghost of Christmas Present (his short but full life, ancient scabbard, surrounded by greenery, warm fire, food)

  • Ghost of Christmas Future (his scary mysterious appearance, faceless, voiceless)

  • Man’s children, Ignorance and Want

    • Why Man’s children?

    • What does each symbolize?

    • Is it worse to be ignorant or poor, according to Dickens?



Author Information - Be familiar with the life of Charles Dickens:

  • Grew up during the Industrial Revolution

  • His family was put in a debtor’s prison due to his father’s debt

  • Charles Dickens was forced to work in a factory, separate from his family

  • He developed a strong compassion for the poor and how they were treated

  • His books were thought to help change the life of the poor for the better. 



Drama/ Literary Terminology--  Know the definitions of the following literary terms.  All of these should be written in your packet!  

  • elements of drama

  • dialogue

  • stage directions

  • drama

  • genre

  • soliloquy

  • mood

  • moral

  • motivation

  • theme

  • protagonist

  • antagonist

  • Conflict – internal or external

  • Characterization

    • Direct Characterization

    • Indirect Characterization

    • Dynamic Character

    • Static Character

  • Symbolism

  • Setting

  • The time and place in which the story unfolds, significantly influencing the mood and actions of characters. The setting can also serve as a reflection of the internal struggles faced by the protagonist, enhancing the overall narrative.