Comprehension Questions

  • Characters

    Who is the protagonist (the main character who has the problem)?

    Who is the antagonist (the main character who causes the problem)?

    Which character so you like the most? the least? Why?

    Which character changes the most? Explain the change.

    What are some attributes (traits of each character)? (Describe the character.)

    Why does the character . . .?

    Who is the narrator?

     

    Setting

    WHERE and WHEN does the story take place?

    If the story took place elsewhere, would new obstacles would the character (s) face? Would any conflicts (or problems) be eliminated by a change in setting?

    Where else could this story be set and remain the same?

    Could this story be set in another time period? If so, When and why?

     

    Conflict

    What conflict, or problem, does the protagonist have to overcome or solve? Why?

    How is the protagonist able to overcome the conflict?

    Is there anyone else in the story who could be considered an antagonist? What problem (s) does he/she cause?

    Which type (s) of conflicts are present in the work of literature: man versus man, man versus self, man versus society, man versus nature, man versus technology?

     

    Plot

    What are the main events in the story?

    In one sentence, summarize the story.

    Fill in the blanks: Somebody (state who)  wanted ____________, but _____________, so _____________.

    What is the most important part of the book and why?

     

    Theme

    What does the book teach you about life? 

    What is the author's purpose for writing about this subject?

     

    Personal Connection

    How did you feel as you read the story?

    Did it remind you of anything in your own life?

    Were you able to identify with any of the characters? If so, why?

    What else do you want to know?

     

    Style

    How is this book written? Prose/Poetry?

    Does the author include a flashback or foreshadowing? If so, why?

    Is there more than one narrator? (Sometimes authors alternate the point of view of the story in chapters.) If so, how does this enhance the readers understanding of the plot, conflict, or characters?

    What do you think the author did well in writing this book?