resourceful– good at problem solving, especially in difficult situations Mako was resourceful and made a basket out of banana leaves. initiative- ability to act and make decisions on your own, without help from others. She took initiative to start her homework before her parents came home. flashback-transition in a novel to an earlier scene or event Harry Potter had flashbacks of his childhood. conceited- excessively high opinion of oneself He is so conceited he is always looking at himself in the mirror exposition- The part of a book that provides the background information needed to understand the characters and the action.. Cinderella’s mother died and her father married a mean woman. vulnerable- easily hurt physically or emotionally A turtle without a shell is vulnerable.