Fiction: character and motive
In literary narratives, read the behavior and the small details for what the character feels.
The rules
- Notice what characters do and say, not just what the narrator tells you.
- Track changes. If a character starts one way and ends another, the question usually asks about that change.
- Dialogue often shows relationships. Look at who speaks, who stays silent, and what is left unsaid.
- Prefer answers that fit the whole scene, not a single sentence.
Watch out: Overreading one emotional word and ignoring the rest of the scene.
Worked example
A boy keeps looking at the door and checking his watch during a party. He is probably:
- Looking at the door and watching the time shows anticipation.
- He is not described as bored or angry.
- Waiting for someone fits.
Answer: waiting for someone.
Try it yourself
Practice questions for this skill are for signed-in students. A free account is all you need.