Annotations: How To:

By Mrs. Kody
 • Annotation is the process of adding notes,
comments, or additional information to a
text, document, image, or any other type
of content to provide context, explanation,

Annotations: or analysis. The points you can annotate

are diverse and depend on your specific
goals and the type of content you are
Definition working with. Annotating a short story
can help you better understand and
analyze its elements, themes, and literary
techniques.Here are some common
notations that people often annotate when
reading a short story
Annotations? Why
• Think of annotations as “showing your work” while
you read just as you sometimes show your work in
a math problem. You are showing what you are
thinking while you read and analyze— and thinking
is a word-based activity, not just a nebulous puff of
energy. If you can’t articulate your thoughts, then
you have to question if you know what you’re
thinking. Thinking is how you connect to the text.
This, of course, requires ACTIVE participation with
the text, engaging your mind while you read, not
skimming the page.
Characterization

Annotate descriptions of
Note any changes or
the main characters,
developments in the
including their physical
characters throughout the
appearances, personalities,
story.
and motivations.
Setting

Highlight details that establish the time and

place of the story.

Annotate descriptions of significant settings

and their impact on the plot or mood.
Plot

Identify key plot

points, including the
Annotate any plot
exposition, rising
twists or surprises.
action, climax, falling
action, and resolution.
Conflict

Note the main conflict(s)

in the story, whether it's Annotate instances
character vs. character, where the conflict
character vs. self, intensifies or is resolved.
character vs. society, etc.
 • Annotate passages or dialogues that reveal
Themes the story's themes or underlying messages.
• Identify recurring motifs or symbols.
Narrative Point of View:

Indicate the narrator's perspective (first-person, third-person

limited, omniscient, etc.) and how it influences the story.

Annotate instances where the narrator's reliability or bias is

evident.
Dialogue:

• Highlight significant dialogues that

reveal character relationships, conflicts,
or themes.
• Annotate any subtext or hidden
meanings in conversations.
Literary Techniques:

Annotate the use of literary devices such as metaphors, similes,

foreshadowing, and symbolism.

Note any figurative language that enhances the storytelling.

Tone and Mood:

MARK PASSAGES THAT CONVEY THE TONE DESCRIBE HOW THESE ELEMENTS AFFECT
(THE AUTHOR'S ATTITUDE) AND MOOD (THE YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE NARRATIVE.
EMOTIONAL ATMOSPHERE) OF THE STORY.
Foreshadowing:
ANNOTATE INSTANCES WHERE THE
AUTHOR HINTS AT FUTURE EVENTS OR
OUTCOMES.

CONSIDER HOW FORESHADOWING

BUILDS SUSPENSE OR ADDS DEPTH
TO THE STORY.
Character Relationships:

Note interactions
Annotate moments of
between characters
conflict, connection, or
and how they affect
change in
the plot or character
relationships.
development.
Title
Significance • Analyze the title's relevance to the

:
story's content and themes.
• Consider how the title sets
expectations or provides insight.
Irony and Symbolism:

Highlight instances Annotate the use

of irony, both of symbols and
situational and their meanings in
dramatic. the story.
Author's Style:

Pay attention to the author's writing style, including their choice of

diction, sentence structure, and tone.

Annotate passages that showcase the author's unique voice.

Questions and
Interpretations:

• Write down questions or interpretations that arise

as you read.
• Explore possible answers or explanations in your
annotations.
Remember…
• your annotations should serve as a
guide for your analysis and discussion
of the short story. They can help you
organize your thoughts, make
connections between elements, and
deepen your understanding of the
text's nuances. They will also help you
with your reading comprehension.