WARM-Ups for the past

few days

Bedtime Story by Jeffery Whitmore

Careful, honey, its loaded, he said, re-entering the bedroom.
Her back rested against the headboard. This for
your wife?
No. Too chancy. Im hiring a professional.
How about me?
He smirked, Cute, But whod be dumb enough to hire a lady hit man?
She wet her lips, sighting along the barrel.
Your wife.

1. Who is a flat character? Why?

2. Who is the protagonist ? How do you know?
3. Who is the antagonist? How do you know?
4. Who is a round ? How do you know?

Death and Dnouement by Joe Hubbell

Pretty grisly, eh Jacques?
Sickening. Any angles?
Well, a pattern does seem to be emerging, lieutenant.
Yesterday, homicide found a copy of Death of a Salesman at the
murder site; today, some nut goes and whacks this Fuller Brush
guy.
Great. A literary serial killer. Find any books?
YesThe French Lieutenants Woman, sir.
1.
2.
3.
4.

1. Who is the antagonist in the story? Why?

2. What predictions can you make about the plot after the story stops?
3. What allusions are being made in this story? How does knowing them
help the reader better understand the story?
4. How is foreshadowing present in this story? Explain

Death in the Afternoon by Pricilla Mintling

Come out from behind the tree, Louie, so I can spray your
brains all over.
You dont have the guts to pull the trigger.
Ive got more guts than youre gonna have brains.
Youve got peanuts for brains, Tony.
Bang!
Louis! Tony! Supper!
Comin Mom!
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

1. How does the characters diction deceive the reader?

2. What images does the reader get in the beginning of the story?
3. How do these images change by the end?
4. How does the author build suspense in the rising action?
5. What irony is present in this story? Explain.
6. Where does the mood shift in this story? How does it shift?

One Rainy Night by Dolorez Roupe

Rain obscured the Georgia country road. Jody, driving a
stolen truck, braked suddenly for a white-uniformed hitchhiker
who climbed into the cab gasping, My car broke down!
You a doctor?
Right.
The asylum? asked criminally insane Jody, whod just fled

from there.
Yes, lied murderous William, whod just escaped from

prison.
1.
2.
3.
4.

1. What irony is present in this story? Explain.

2. Who is the flat in the story? Explain
3. What is the conflict? Explain
4. What predictions can you make about the stories resolution?

Accidents by Mark Cohen

Reginald Cooke had buried three wives before he married
Cecil Northwood.
Tragic accidents, he told her.
How sad, replied Cecile, Were theywealthy?
And beautiful, said Reginald.
They honeymooned in the Alps.
Later, Cecile told her new husband, You know darling, my
first husband died in a tragic mountaineering accident.
How sad, replied Justin Marlow
1.
2.
3.

1. Who is the protagonist in the story? Why?

2. What kind of irony is present in this story. Explain.
3. How does the diction or the story help reinforce the irony?

Out of the Fog by Curt Homan

Lyn clutched her purse as footsteps approached along the
fog shrouded lane. Emily, a fellow prostitute, emerged.
Any business? asked Lyn.
Emily shrugged. Some. And you?
Not yet, tonight.
Tis slow because of The Ripper, Emily sighed. Seems
everyones afraid of Jack.
Actually, the full names Jacquelyn.
Lyn said, pulling the knife from her purse.
1.

2.
3.

1. What irony is present in this story? Explain.

2. What allusions are being made in this story? How does knowing
them help the reader better understand the story?
3. Where does the mood shift in this story? How does it shift?

Grandma Meets the Ax Murderer

The crazed ax-murderer approached the house. Having ravaged
the entire neighborhood, his sack of booty was almost full.
Alone inside, the old woman sat knitting. The murder raised
his blood-stained ax and rang the porch doorbell. Slowly, she
opened the door and peered into his face.
Trick or treat! the little boy shouted.
1.
2.
3.

1. What kind of irony is present in this story? Explain.

2. Where does the mood shift in this story? How does it shift?
3. What part of this story is the unspoken climax?

Roadkill by Spinny Bazookawitz

Hey, Dad. Im joining a scavenger hunt tonight!
Sounds fun, son.
Theres a rumor well have to find at least one roadkill!
A roadkill? Gross!
So could I borrow the car?
Okay.
Dad, its so nice out this evening, you ought to go for a walk!
Hmmm. Think I will. See you later.
For sure!
1.
2.

3.
4.

1. What kind of irony is present in this story? Explain

2. What is the unspoken conflict present in this story? Explain
3. What is the unspoken falling action in this story? Explain
4. What does the italicized section do to help the reader
understand the secondary meaning of the speaker?

Murder Must Advertise by L.J. Barnett

Seaside Adventurer seeks female for candlelit dinner
Shivering with anticipation, Laura enters the secluded
beach estate. She rings. The door swings open
By candle light, piranhas jerk and devour the last chunks of
flesh and blond hair.
Thats nineteen, coos Lucretia, applying Lauras
burgundy lipstick. My new wardrobell killem!
Female, murderously fashionable, seeks adventuresome male
1.

2.

1. Who is the protagonist in the story? Why? What does the italic
sections do for the readers understanding of the story?
2. How does the title help the reader understand the story?