Traits, Motives, And Consequences Of Heroic Deeds

1. Which character trait most often leads to heroic deeds?

Greed

Cowardice

Compassion

Laziness

Caring about others’ needs often motivates people to act bravely.

Explanation

Caring about others’ needs often motivates people to act bravely.

2. When the power went out in their building, the elevator stopped between floors. Inside, a young child began to cry. Devon started singing, telling jokes, and talking calmly to distract everyone until help arrived. Why might Devon’s actions be seen as heroic, even without physical danger?

He caused the power outage.

He kept everyone calm and comforted someone who was afraid.

He ignored the child.

He left the elevator.

Providing emotional support and leadership in a crisis can be a form of heroism.

Explanation

Providing emotional support and leadership in a crisis can be a form of heroism.

3. Motives matter when deciding whether a deed is truly heroic.

True

False

The reason someone acts—whether for others or just for praise—affects how we see the action.

Explanation

The reason someone acts—whether for others or just for praise—affects how we see the action.

4. A character pushes someone out of the way of a falling object, but later claims they only did it for attention. What does this reveal about the heroic deed?

The action looks heroic, but the motive is selfish.

The action and motive are both heroic.

There was no danger.

The character is a villain.

Saving someone is brave, but bragging about it changes how we view the character.

Explanation

Saving someone is brave, but bragging about it changes how we view the character.

5. Title: “The Price of Saving a Stranger” What do you expect this story to explore MOST?

Grocery shopping

The cost or consequences of performing a heroic deed

Cooking dinner

Winning a contest

The word “price” suggests sacrifice or consequences resulting from the act of saving someone.

Explanation

The word “price” suggests sacrifice or consequences resulting from the act of saving someone.

6. Sofia testified in court about a crime she had witnessed, even though the person on trial was a family friend. She knew that telling the truth could cause trouble in her family, but she believed the victim deserved justice. What makes Sofia’s choice heroic?

She tries to protect her family friend.

She lies to protect her reputation.

She avoids going to court.

She tells the truth despite pressure and personal risk.

She chooses fairness and honesty, even though it could cause conflict in her own life.

Explanation

She chooses fairness and honesty, even though it could cause conflict in her own life.

7. Heroic deeds always lead to positive outcomes for the hero.

True

False

Sometimes heroes face punishment, loss, or pain because of their choices.

Explanation

Sometimes heroes face punishment, loss, or pain because of their choices.

8. Which consequence would MOST highlight the sacrifice behind a heroic deed?

The hero becomes instantly popular.

The hero gains money and power.

The hero is injured or loses something important while saving someone.

Nothing changes in the hero’s life.

Giving up safety, comfort, or something valuable for others shows deep commitment.

Explanation

Giving up safety, comfort, or something valuable for others shows deep commitment.

9. A student secretly pays for another student’s field trip fee so they don’t have to miss out. The student never admits what they did and doesn’t receive any public thanks. Which statement BEST explains why this can still be considered a heroic deed?

It’s not heroic because no one knows.

It is heroic because it is generous, selfless, and done purely to help.

It is only heroic if a teacher finds out.

It is heroic only if it is shared on social media.

Anonymous giving shows true concern without needing credit.

Explanation

Anonymous giving shows true concern without needing credit.

10. Title: “The Coward’s Last Chance” Which of these is MOST likely in the story?

A character who finally acts heroically after failing to be brave before

A character who never makes a mistake

A character who loves to sleep

A character who wins every contest

The phrase “last chance” suggests a final opportunity to change from fear to courage.

Explanation

The phrase “last chance” suggests a final opportunity to change from fear to courage.

11. Sometimes a character’s heroic deed is not recognized as heroic until later in the story.

True

False

Other characters or the reader may only understand the full importance once more information is revealed.

Explanation

Other characters or the reader may only understand the full importance once more information is revealed.

12. Which question would BEST help a student analyze a heroic deed in a story?

What is the character’s favorite food?

What does the setting look like?

What risk does the character take and what value are they protecting?

How many pages is the chapter?

Risk and values show what the character is willing to sacrifice and why.

Explanation

Risk and values show what the character is willing to sacrifice and why.

13. During a protest, a student steps between the police and a group of younger students, raising her hands and calmly asking for everyone to stay peaceful. She is arrested, while the younger students manage to leave safely. Which BEST explains the heroic element?

She runs away.

She protects more vulnerable people by putting herself in danger.

She avoids conflict entirely.

She argues online only.

She chooses to take the risk herself to shield others.

Explanation

She chooses to take the risk herself to shield others.

14. A heroic deed can challenge a character’s own community or group if that group is acting unfairly.

True

False

Sometimes doing the right thing means going against the crowd or your own group.

Explanation

Sometimes doing the right thing means going against the crowd or your own group.

15. Which is the BEST summary statement about heroic deeds in literature?

Heroes always win.

Heroic deeds are always rewarded with fame.

Heroic deeds often reveal what a character values more than their own comfort or safety.

Heroic deeds are only physical fights.

Heroism exposes a character’s deepest beliefs and priorities.

Explanation

Heroism exposes a character’s deepest beliefs and priorities.

Traits, Motives, and Consequences of Heroic Deeds

1. Which character trait most often leads to heroic deeds?

2. When the power went out in their building, the elevator stopped between floors. Inside, a young child began to cry. Devon started singing, telling jokes, and talking calmly to distract everyone until help arrived. Why might Devon’s actions be seen as heroic, even without physical danger?

3. Motives matter when deciding whether a deed is truly heroic.

4. A character pushes someone out of the way of a falling object, but later claims they only did it for attention. What does this reveal about the heroic deed?

5. Title: “The Price of Saving a Stranger” What do you expect this story to explore MOST?

6. Sofia testified in court about a crime she had witnessed, even though the person on trial was a family friend. She knew that telling the truth could cause trouble in her family, but she believed the victim deserved justice. What makes Sofia’s choice heroic?

7. Heroic deeds always lead to positive outcomes for the hero.

8. Which consequence would MOST highlight the sacrifice behind a heroic deed?

9. A student secretly pays for another student’s field trip fee so they don’t have to miss out. The student never admits what they did and doesn’t receive any public thanks. Which statement BEST explains why this can still be considered a heroic deed?

10. Title: “The Coward’s Last Chance” Which of these is MOST likely in the story?

11. Sometimes a character’s heroic deed is not recognized as heroic until later in the story.

12. Which question would BEST help a student analyze a heroic deed in a story?

13. During a protest, a student steps between the police and a group of younger students, raising her hands and calmly asking for everyone to stay peaceful. She is arrested, while the younger students manage to leave safely. Which BEST explains the heroic element?

14. A heroic deed can challenge a character’s own community or group if that group is acting unfairly.

15. Which is the BEST summary statement about heroic deeds in literature?