View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What term is called storyline, the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story?

2. What refers to the psychological classification of different types of individuals?

3. According to the author, every sensible invention must have _____.

4. What is needed to make life keep constantly going, according to the author in Book II: Character, Chapter 3: The Dialectical Approach?

5. What are defined as habitual patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author say about compromise between the pivotal character and the antagonist? Can it be achieved?

2. How does the author describe contradiction and dialectics?

3. How is the antagonist defined and described by the author?

4. What is the author's premise in opening Book II: Character, Chapter 1?

5. What example does the author set up in Book II: Character, Chapter 5: Strength of Will in a Character?

6. What is the role of character according to the author in Chapter 6: Plot or Character--Which?

7. What are the three dimensions the author describes as "bone structure"?

8. What does the author assert of writers who decide to write of their own experiences?

9. What does the author assert about character development in Chapter 7: Characters Plotting Their Own Play?

10. How does Egri assert a writer may begin a play without a premise?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the characters, plot, and premise of the play "Romeo and Juliet". Which is the pivotal character in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the element of environment and its relationship to character and action. How does the author define "motivation"?

Essay Topic 3

Define and discuss static conflict as described by the author. What plays does he cite as examples of static conflict and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 856 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample