English Annotation Guide

Every piece of literature should be read at least twice! The first time, read for overall meaning
and impressions. The second time, read more carefully. Ultimately, annotations are clues left by
the reader to gain deeper understanding of a text and its author. It is a permanent record of the
readers intellectual conversation with the book. There are many items to look for, however,
throughout this year, we will be focusing on the following:

Character(s)
You should always be mindful of when new characters are introduced, so each time you see one,
label it.
You should also notice characteristic traits to determine what type of character they are, so make
a list about each character each time you come across the authors description.
Character types
Confidante- someone in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main
characters personality, thoughts, and intentions. The confidante does not need to be a
person.
Dynamic Character - a character which changes during the course of a story or novel.
The change in outlook or character is permanent. Sometimes a dynamic character is
called a developing character.
Flat Character - a character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a
story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.
Foil - a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast.
Cinderellas grace and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one
clear illustration of a foil many may recall from childhood.
Round Character - a well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes
contradictory traits. Round characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the
course of a story).
Static Character a character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or
novel. Events in the story do not alter a static characters outlook, personality, motivation,
perception, habits, etc.
Stock Character - a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most
readers. Possible examples include the ruthless businessman, shushing old librarian
or dumb jock. They are not the focus nor developed in the story.

Setting
Make notes about where or which time period the novel takes place. The setting may change, so
make note of that too when/if it happens. Ask yourself: What historical context does this have?

Voice
1. Active - When the verb of a sentence is in the active voice, the subject is doing the
acting, as in the sentence Kevin hit the ball. Kevin (the subject of the sentence) acts in
relation to the ball.

Definitions are from www.dictionary.com

 English Annotation Guide
2. Passive - A verb is in the passive voice when the subject of the sentence is acted on by
the verb. For example, in the sentence, The ball was thrown by the pitcher., the ball
(subject) receives the action of the verb, and was thrown is in the passive voice.

Theme
This pertains to the novels subject of discourse, discussion, mediation; a unifying or dominant
idea. Take note when/if the theme changes.

Literary Elements
Highlight/Label the literary element found and explain why the author used it. These include but
are not limited to: alliteration, allusion, flashback, foreshadowing, hyperbole, idiom, imagery,
irony (situational, verbal, and dramatic), metaphor, mood, oxymoron, paradox, personification,
simile, and tone. Please refer to your literary element hand out for specific names and
definitions.

Vocabulary
Draw a box around each new vocabulary word per page. Define the word(s) at the bottom of the
page.

Questions
Have a list of at least two insightful questions at the end of each chapter. You may use these later
during discussion in class.

Confusion
Mark passages that you do not understand or confuse you with ??? Sometimes re-reading the
passage closely clears your confusion but other times you need to discuss it with peers so have it
marked.

Feel free to use highlighters, different colored pens, post-it notes, tabs,
symbols (develop a key on the inside cover of book), and illustrations.
DO NOT use pencil.

Definitions are from www.dictionary.com