Bible Blossom - Storyteller's Handbook

T E L L I NG T ALES : A B I B L E B LOS S OM P RIMER ON S TORY TELLING • 19

• Temporal (time) setting: what are the time elements of the story? • Cultural-historical surroundings: what details of culture or history are present? 2. The characters of the story • Who are the prime characters in the story? The “hero” and “villain”? • Note the precise order and details of the actions, conversation, and events of the characters. • How are the characters shown to us? – Direct descriptions – Indirect characterization – Appearance – Influence and effects – Actions and character • How are the characters tested, and what choices do they make? • How do the characters grow or decline (rise or fall) in the story? 3. The plot of the story • Note the exact order and details of the events and actions. • Note also how the story begins, develops, and ends. • Ask and answer questions about the actual plot. • Why did the events happen as they did? • Why did the characters respond as they did? • Could they have done things in a different manner? – Words and conversation – Thoughts and attitudes