The plot of a story consists of the chain of events that occur. The events create action and have an impact on characters, often leading to conflict or crisis. It is important to track the most important events and to consider how they influence a character's thoughts, decisions, actions, and even one's entire life.
In the table below, track the most important events of chapter 5. The first two events are given. Be sure to list action, not descriptive details. Use action verbs in your sentences.
1. Lupita and Salvador stake out the charro shop.
2. A young Mexican man parks a pickup truck in the back of the shop
A Dangerous Endeavor: Discuss the outcome of this attempt to cross the border for the following members of the party.
Tomás
the men
the women and children, including Salvador and Lupita
the old man on the hill
FIVE-MINUTE QUICKWRITE:
Draw your own conclusions about Tomás. What kind of person do you think he is? What motivates him?
Appreciating Descriptive Language
Authors often create images to help readers feel the excitement of a story. They do this by appealing to the senses. For example, the author of this book helps the reader experience the danger, fright, and suspense of an attempted border crossing by creating these images:
"Crouched, Lupita waited."
"She, too, could see the black shapes of the half dozen people ahead of them."
Scan Chapter 5 for short phrases that heightenincrease feelings of danger, fright, and suspense. Write them by the sense they appeal to.
Lupita Mañana ~ Chapter 5