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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. What happens to sources of inspiration once they are incorporated into characters?

2. What word is used to describe the life ideally given to fictional characters?

3. Which one of the following triggers a negative reaction from readers?

4. According to the author, what is the purpose of fiction?

5. What must a writer define in creative writing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the ways a reader can know a character that is well written?

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

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

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

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

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

7. How can a negative character become more intriguing?

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

9. How does character factor into a narrative and why is it often a complex process?

10. What are some characteristics that make characters more appealing in general?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The past can be used as the justification for future events that take place in a fictional story.

1) Describe 3 different techniques a writer can use to explore the past in fiction.

2) Define justification, why it is important, the effect it has on the characters, and how much justification is necessary in a story.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of truth in fiction by comparing the illusion of truth with the actual depiction of it. Include which one is present in fiction, how the writer adds it, and the way it affects the characters and events. Use the book to also provide examples that support your analysis.

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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