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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which one of the following is not an example of a story where an idea is the primary narrative?

2. What kind of characterization is needed in a narrative that features the characters as the primary focus?

3. On a basic level, which one of the following defines character in a narrative?

4. How will the story itself suggest characters?

5. Which of the following is not an example of a minor character's function?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can writers find characters within themselves?

2. What is the intent of the author in "Characters and Viewpoint"?

3. What is the idea of a story, and how is it used?

4. What are the two aspects of creative writing and what is the difference between them?

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

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

7. What does a character who becomes more heroic convey to the reader?

8. What is the main point of Chapter 9, "The Hero and the Common Man"?

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

10. What is the difference between "walk-ons" and minor characters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the differences between the "showing" and "telling" style of narration, the purposes of each, and the techniques used for them. Use the book to describe at least 2 examples of each style and what they add to the story.

Essay Topic 2

Exaggeration is one of the techniques discussed for adding interest to characters and events.

1) Describe what exaggeration is, when it is used, and how it is applied.

2) List some examples of the types of stories that exaggeration can be used in along with why it is effective in them.

3) Explain about the precautions that the author gives when using exaggeration in a story and why it needs to be logical or justified.

Essay Topic 3

There are four basic factors that can be found in all narrative writing.

1) Describe milieu, how it works, and which stories feature it as the primary narrative.

2) Explain what the idea of a story is, which stories revolve around it, and how it changes the way the characters are developed.

3) Define character, the difficulties associated with a narrative based on character, and the techniques a writer can use to overcome them.

4) Explain what the event is, which types of stories are based on it, and the way fiction can use events to help make reality seem more logical.

(see the answer keys)

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