PERCY JACKSON

AND THE
OLYMPIANS
 CONTENTS

A DEFINITION OF
CRITIQUE
 CONTENTS

A DEFINITION OF
CRITIQUE

B ELEMENTS OF
NARRATIVE
 CRITIQUE
A critique is an in-depth
evaluation of a story, novel,
film, or other reading/viewing
materials for the purpose of
giving the public an insight
into the text.
A critique seeks to shed light on
the content of a “text” (the
story, novel, song, movie etc.)
in order to help future readers
or viewers understand better the
material that they are reading or
viewing.
It contains a careful evaluation
mainly on the following
elements of a narrative:
characterization, setting,
conflict, plot, dialogue, theme,
and style.
SETTING
It is where and when the
story happened. It can be
real or imaginary.
 
How well was the 
setting developed?
Does it appeal to
more than one of the

senses? Does it inform or connect
to other aspects of the
story such as character
development and
narrative style?
 How well was the setting developed?

The setting of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" is

meticulously developed, contributing significantly to
the overall narrative. The story unfolds in a mythical
world filled with demigods and monsters, all deeply
rooted in Greek mythology. The action of the novel
takes place in a multitude of locations, including a
school in New York, the forest and CAMP of the
demigod.
 How well was the setting developed?

The setting of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" is

meticulously developed, contributing significantly to
the overall narrative. The story unfolds in a mythical
world filled with demigods and monsters, all deeply
rooted in Greek mythology. The action of the novel
takes place in a multitude of locations, including a
school in New York, the forest, and various other
places across America, from New York to Los
Angeles.
 Does it appeal to more than one of the senses?

The setting of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" indeed

appeals to more than one of the senses. The author, Rick
Riordan, uses sensory details to bring the setting to life. For
instance, Percy's detailed observations of the camp and
garden engaged the reader's sense of sight. The description of
sounds during the battles and the texture of the mythological
creatures all contribute to a multi-sensory experience.
 Does it inform or connect to other aspects of the
story such as character development and narrative
style?

The setting in story plays a crucial role in both character

development and the narrative style. The fact that Percy is a
demigod living in the modern world, with all its
complexities, shapes his character and his journey
throughout the series.
 Does it inform or connect to other aspects of the story such
as character development and narrative style?

The narrative style of the series is also closely tied to the

setting. The story is told from Percy's first-person
perspective, allowing readers to experience his thoughts,
fears, and intentions directly. This makes the narrative
more personal and engaging. Furthermore, the blending of
the modern world with elements of ancient Greek
mythology creates a unique narrative style that
distinguishes the series.
CHARACTER CHARACTERIZATION

Representation of the
The people (or
character (physical
animals) in the story.
attributes and
characteristic).
 Characters can be major or minor, good or bad, round or flat. Significant
characters are typically more fully developed than minor characters.

• Round characters are • Flat characters are more

complex and multi- straightforward and one-
dimensional. dimensional.
• Good characters are those • Flawed characters
who the reader generally are the
sympathizes with. antagonists.
How well-drawn are the characters
in the story?

Do we know enough about them (life,

attitudes, some type of history, etc.) to make them interesting
and relatable?

Are there unnecessary characters?

 How well-drawn are the characters in the story?
The characters in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians"
are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. The author, Rick
Riordan, has done an excellent job of creating characters that
are relatable and engaging.
The protagonist, Percy Jackson, is a demigod, the son
of Poseidon, who struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. He is a
brave, loyal, and resourceful character. His struggles with
school and feeling like an outsider make him relatable to
many readers, especially younger ones.
 Do we know enough about them (life, attitudes, some type of history,
etc.) to make them interesting and relatable?
 Do we know enough about them (life, attitudes, some type of history,
etc.) to make them interesting and relatable?
 Percy is the main character and narrator
of the series. He is a twelve-year-old boy
at the beginning of the series and grows
older as the story progresses. Percy is a
demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek
god of the sea. He is portrayed as brave,
loyal, and determined, with a strong sense
of justice.
Percy starts off as an ordinary kid struggling with
dyslexia and ADHD
Percy's best friend and a satyr, a half-
human, half-goat creature. He is portrayed
as clumsy, nervous, and often comic
relief. However, Grover is also fiercely
loyal and protective of Percy, serving as
his protector and guide throughout their
adventures. Despite his initial insecurities,
Grover grows in confidence and bravery,
showcasing his determination and
dedication to his friends.
Percy's mother, Sally, is a caring and supportive
character. She is depicted as a hardworking
woman who loves her son deeply. Despite facing
financial struggles and an abusive relationship,
Sally remains strong and protective of Percy. She
is portrayed as kind-hearted, resourceful, and
fiercely loyal. Sally's unwavering love and
sacrifices for Percy are a driving force in the
series.
A monstrous creature with the head of a bull and
the body of a man. In the series, the Minotaur
serves as an antagonist, representing the dangers
and challenges Percy faces as a demigod. The
Minotaur's appearance early in the story triggers
Percy's journey into the world of Greek
mythology. It symbolizes the mythical threats
that Percy must overcome and sets the stage for
his hero's journey.
Remember a place that is
unforgettable to you and has
contribution to your life right now.
Describe the place and explain
how it shape you as who you are
right now and its contribution to
your development as a person.
Conflict and Plot
 Conflict Plot

This is the sequence of

The struggle between
events in the story, and
two opposing forces. It
it can be divided into
is what drives the plot
three parts: the
forward and creates
beginning, the middle,
tension.
and the end.
 Man Man Man
Man
vs. vs. vs.
vs.
Man Natur Societ
Self
e y
Two characters The protagonist Conflict occurs when the Conflict happens when
against each struggles against an protagonist goes against a character must
overwhelming force an institution or social overcome his
other. of nature and natural norm weaknesses or fears.
calamities.
Conflict Plot
• Is there a conflict in the • Is the plot interesting, original and
story? well-developed?
• What type of conflict is • Are there unnecessary and
shown? confusing subplots?
 • Is there a conflict in the story?
• What type of conflict is shown?

The conflict in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians"

revolves around the ongoing battle between Percy
himself and the forces of evil, primarily represented
by other mythical creatures. It focuses both in the
conflict between man vs. man and man vs. himself.
 • Is there a conflict in the story?
• What type of conflict is shown?

The conflict in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians"

revolves around the ongoing battle between Percy
himself and the forces of other demigods, primarily
represented by other mythical creatures. It focuses
both in the conflict between man vs. man and man vs.
himself.
Theme
The theme of a story is its central
idea or message. It is what the
story is ultimately about.
How well does the story speak
to the readers?

Does it raise questions about

life, or provide profound
insights?
The theme of "Percy Jackson and the
Olympians" encompasses several key ideas
that are explored throughout the story. Here
are some of the prominent themes:
Identity: The theme of identity is central to
the story. Percy, as a demigod, grapples with
understanding and accepting his true nature.
His journey involves discovering his
heritage, embracing his powers, and finding
his place in the world.
Heroism: The concept of heroism is a recurring
theme in the series. Percy and his friends are thrust
into dangerous quests and face numerous
challenges that test their bravery, resilience, and
willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. The
story explores what it means to be a hero and the
qualities required to rise to the occasion.
Friendship and Loyalty: The importance of
friendship and loyalty is emphasized in the series.
Percy's relationships with his friends, such as
Annabeth and Grover, are integral to his journey.
The bonds they form, their unwavering support,
and their willingness to stand by each other in
times of adversity highlight the power of
friendship.
 Re f e r s to th e d is ti n c t
manner in which an
STYLE author expresses their
id e a s th r o u g h th e u s e
of language and
li te r a r y te c h n iq u e s .
 How distinctive  Are there literary  Does the style
or unique is the devices or techniques remind you of any
writing style? used? other authors you
  Is it purposeful? have read?
 How to write a
independent critique
Introduction

• Give a brief summary, including a description,

background or context of the work. Mention the
name of the author and the title of the work.
• Indicate the elements you want to examine and
state the purpose of your critique.
 Body
• Give a systematic and detailed assessment of
the different elements of the work, but make
sure that your discussion and judgement will
be supported by specific details such as
quotes or examples from the work itself. (This
is the main bulk of the critical essay, and it
may run for more than three paragraphs.)
Conclusion

• Give recommendations for improvement if

necessary.
• State your overall assessment of the story’s
value, worth, and significance (both positive and
negative).
SOME ADDITIONAL REMINDERS THAT
BUDDING CRITICS NEED TO TAKE NOTE OF
WHEN WRITING A CRITIQUE:

• Avoid introducing your ideas by stating “I think” or “In my

opinion” because this weakens the analysis.
• Always introduce the work. Do not assume that the readers
know what you are writing about and that you don’t need
to mention some details anymore.
• To be able to write a good critique and help readers
understand the story, you yourself should know well what
you are writing about.
SAMPLE CRITIQUE “Lee” published by Crime Factory (Posted by
Abdul at 8/10/2008 12:46:00PM)

I recently finished a fiction anthology called “Lee.” The book

features seventeen short stories, all written by crime writers and
inspired by Lee Marvin — his life, his movies. The stories flow in
chronological order with the first taking place in 1944 and the last
in 1987, just after Lee died. Frankly, I thought the concept was a
little goofy, and I didn’t really expect the book to be that good. I
bought it only because its publisher, Crime Factory, had published
two of my short stories. I liked what they’d done in their journal,
and figured I’d check out what else they’ve brought to the world.
 I am happy to admit that I was very wrong. Not only is
every story in the collection really good, but it turns out
that the concept really worked. In a word, the book rocks!
It was fun to see how the different authors tackled the task
of writing a Lee Marvin-inspired story. I particularly liked
the stories: “1966: Just Swell,” “Cameron Ashley,” “1967:
The Gun Hunter.” Eric Beetner’s novel The Devil Doesn’t
Want Me has now moved up to number three on my
reading list, which hopefully means I’ll get to it in June. I
took a step forward correcting this oversight last night by
watching The Dirty Dozen — awesome!
 I feel good that in my own little way I’m associated
with these writers tangentially.
Finishing “Lee” has also made me more interested
in Lee Marvin’s movies. I watched The Man who Shot
Liberty Valence during a film class in college and was
blown away by his performance, but I don’t think I’d
seen another one of his movies. And I consider myself
something of an old film buff, but I took a step forward
correcting this oversight last night by watching The
Dirty Dozen — awesome!
TAHNK YOU