One Last Story

Instructions:  Let's read the short story " Charles" together. As you read/listen try to identify the following story elements:

Characters- protagonist, antagonist

Setting- both time and place

Conflict- with self or others 

Plot- the main events that take place

Theme- the lesson that you learn from the characters and their actions


Do you notice any foreshadowing or flashbacks?


THEN, answer these questions: 

  1.  Who is narrating/telling the short story "Charles"?

  2.  According to the narrator, how did Laurie change when he started kindergarten?

  3.  When was Charles first mentioned in Laurie’s home? Explain what he had done.

  4.  Explain how Charles became a joke at Laurie’s home.

  5.  Why were Laurie’s parents looking forward to meeting his kindergarten teacher?

  6. Why did Laurie’s parents take so long to find out the truth about Charles?

  7. Why did Laurie create the imaginary boy Charles?

  8.  As the story comes to an end, most of us are very surprised to learn the identity of Charles. If you go back and read the story again you may notice that the author plants clues along the way to prepare you. What clue to the identity of Charles can you find in the opening paragraph of the story?