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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. With what does the author intend to help writers?
(a) Writing shorter novels.
(b) Rating their work.
(c) Writing longer novels.
(d) Fulfilling their responsibilities.

2. How necessary is it for characters to be more than stereotypes in a narrative where an idea is the primary focus?
(a) The characters are never more than stereotypes in a narrative.
(b) Somewhat necessary.
(c) Very necessary.
(d) Rarely necessary.

3. What must a storyteller do when creating characters or events?
(a) Understand and define the implications of the plot.
(b) Broaden the plot.
(c) Broaden the theme.
(d) Understand and define the theme.

4. What is the first way a writer can engage the reader?
(a) Creating a weak initial impression that improves quickly.
(b) Creating a weak initial impression that improves slowly.
(c) Creating a strong initial impression.
(d) Creating an initial impression that does not appear strong or weak at first.

5. What kind of characterization is needed in a narrative that features the characters as the primary focus?
(a) Less detailed and simple.
(b) Less detailed, but complex.
(c) Detailed, but simple.
(d) Detailed and complex.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does a character in a novel pursue a transformation in his/her life?

2. What kind of narrative should a storyteller use?

3. What do the two questions the author poses at the end of Chapter 2 add to a novel?

4. In defining a fictional character, what causes people to behave differently?

5. What type of reputation can a character have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some places that a writer can look to find the inspiration for characters?

2. How well do readers want to know the fictional characters they are reading about, and what is the purpose of fiction in general?

3. What is milieu and which types of stories feature it as the main narrative?

4. What is the contract that a writer makes with a reader, and when is it introduced?

5. What technique does the author recommend when first introducing a character?

6. How and why should a writer vary the names used in their stories?

7. What does the author mean when he writes about "raising the emotional stakes"?

8. Is it possible to use less characterization in a story?

9. How can writers find characters within themselves?

10. What is writing based on "issue", and how can it be a source for characters?

(see the answer keys)

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