Contradiction and Contrast
When you are reading and you notice…
- a character’s actions are contradictory to (different than) how the character has acted in the past.
- a difference among characters (a way that one character acts versus another) is revealed.
- a character acts differently than how YOU would behave in a similar situation.
- there are contrasting/unexpected story elements, such as plot, setting, etc
You should ask yourself...
You should stop and ask yourself:
“Why is the character doing that?”
"Why is this happening?"
“Why are the characters so different from each other?” OR
“Why would the author choose to do this?”
The answers could help you make a prediction or make an inference about the plot and conflict and author’s purpose.
