The character or force that opposes the protagonist
antagonist
The author directly states what a character is like
direct characterization
Details or quotes from the text that support your answer or claim.
text evidence
The person or voice telling the story
narrator
A logical guess based on text evidence and what you already know
inference
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help you figure out its meaning
context clues
The author shows a character’s traits through actions, words, thoughts, and how others respond. (STEAL: Speech, Thoughts, Effects on others, Actions, Looks)
indirect characterization
The reason the author wrote the text: to inform, to entertain, to persuade, or to explain
author's purpose
A brief retelling of the main events or ideas without opinions or extra details
summary
The emotional or implied meaning of a word
connotation
The universal message the author wants readers to learn
theme
The author’s attitude, viewpoint, or opinion about the topic
author's perspective
the literal meaning of the word (dictionary definition)
denotation
The most important point or message an informational text is mainly about.
central idea
The person who wrote the text
author
The main character or hero in a story
protagonist
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