Let’s Review P.A.C.T.S. P = Plot A = Atmosphere C = Characters T = Themes S = Setting

PLOT: Plot Graph Details 1. Introduction - We meet Marcus, Kelly and Mrs. Sheppard. - Marcus is smart history class, Kelly is not - They are from different parts of the city, different classes 2. Inciting Incident - Kelly requests Marcus’ help in history - Marcus thinks Kelly is cute but “not in a slutty way” Marcus the Great by Kim Moritsugu

3. Rising Action - Kelly and Marcus start to hang out a lot and eventually date - Coach also suggests that Marcus should play basketball our East after he graduates 4. Climax - Marcus comes to realize that he has potential academically which gives him confidence but he must decide his future 5. Falling Action (Denouement) - At the basketball game Marcus’ team was losing, so he takes on a leadership role 6. Resolution - His team ties up the game and the school floods the court in celebration, Marcus considers himself integral to the team Marcus the Great

ATMOSPHERE: In the beginning of the story we feel sorry for Kelly and understand how she feels with Mrs. Sheppard picking on her In the beginning of the story we feel sorry for Kelly and understand how she feels with Mrs. Sheppard picking on her We also cheer on Marcus as he now has a study date with Kelly We also cheer on Marcus as he now has a study date with Kelly Throughout the story the mood is tense as we are unsure if Marcus will use his potential academically and athletically Throughout the story the mood is tense as we are unsure if Marcus will use his potential academically and athletically Marcus the Great

CHARACTERS: Marcus: athletic basketball player, modest, team player, smart, “light-skinned black guy”, from the south part of the city Kelly: uptown girl, half Asian/half white, fit, smart, has her life planned, nice Mrs. Sheppard: older history teacher – arthritis, challenges her students, Marcus’ advisor Coach: Marcus’ coach, wants his athletes to do well Elliot: super tall basketball player, being scouted for pro ball, Marcus’ friend and teammate Marcus the Great

THEME: Labels Labels We often place labels on one another and ourselves We often place labels on one another and ourselves These labels can be limiting These labels can be limiting Marcus and Kelly break traditional labels Marcus and Kelly break traditional labels Marcus has an inner conflict Marcus has an inner conflict labels places upon himself labels places upon himself “south corner man” “south corner man” “light-skinned black guy” “light-skinned black guy” the guy who helps Elliot score points a “role player” the guy who helps Elliot score points a “role player” an “under-the-radar guy” an “under-the-radar guy” Marcus the Great

THEME: Potential Potential Marcus does not see his full potential both: Marcus does not see his full potential both: 1. Academically solid student in University level history solid student in University level history Could go to university Could go to university 2. Athletically He is a good basketball player He is a good basketball player Could get a university scholarship to Nova Scotia Could get a university scholarship to Nova Scotia Kelly does know her potential and her limitations Kelly does know her potential and her limitations Together they both reach their potential Together they both reach their potential Marcus the Great

SETTINGS: these places allow the story to be realistic At School ClassroomHallway Basketball court Entrances/Exits Guidance Office GymCafeteria Outside School Coffee Shop Kelly’s Bedroom Marcus the Great