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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 place can writers use as inspiration for their characters?

2. How does the author define an idea?

3. What determines the amount of characterization in an event?

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

5. What does the contract between an author and a reader state?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is a helpful tip about keeping track of character names that the author provides at the end of Chapter 4?

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

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

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

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

7. What are the main functions of major and minor characters, and how can a writer achieve them?

8. What techniques does the author describe in Chapter 3 about characters from unrelated ideas?

9. What techniques can a writer use to raise the emotional stakes?

10. As explained in the Introduction, on what are the author's suggestions based?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

According to the author, writers have a responsibility to the reader and the world around them.

1) Describe the contract that a writer has with a reader and how it affects the way a story is presented and delivered.

2) Explain writers' responsibility in observing the events that take place in their life, how receptive they should be to them, and the way the events are analyzed when writing fiction.

Essay Topic 3

Creating names for characters can give the reader clues about those characters' intentions and traits. Describe the selection process for names, what a writer should consider when naming their characters, how and why the names should vary, and what a name can represent. Also, explain the use of a list of characters and their traits along with how it can help writers maintain consistency in their work.

(see the answer keys)

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