FREAK THE MIGHTY
AUTHOR’S TECHNIQUE
NAME_____________________________
HOUR_____ DATE__________________
Connotation
Writers choose their language carefully. If a writer wants to give a positive impression of
a character, words with a positive connotation—the emotions and attitudes associated
with a word—will be used. However, if a writer wants the reader to know that a
character is going to be trouble, words with negative connotations will be used.
1. Read the quotations describing each character. Explain how the language causes
you to have a certain impression of the character. What does this lead readers to
expect of her?
Loretta Lee: “this hand comes snaking out
and reaches for the mailbox” (65)
Impression:
Iggy Lee: “and he’s got a beard which
looks like it’s made out of red barbed wire”
(65)
Impression:
2. Find another detail that describes each character. Quote it here. Explain the
impression the detail leaves on the reader.
Loretta Lee:
Iggy Lee:
Impression:
Impression:
(over⟶)
Setting
Another way in which a writer can build a sense of character is by placing them in
certain settings. Iggy and Loretta Lee live in an apartment in the “Testaments”, a poor,
run-down neighborhood, an area of the city where Max is not supposed to go.
3. Reread pages 64 and 69. Quote three details about the setting.
a.
b.
c.
4. a. What words in the quotations are most important in conveying a negative
impression of the Lees? Circle the key words in each quotation.
b. What do these words suggest about Iggy and Loretta? Explain in 2-3
sentences.