Memory Moment Signpost #5

Memory Moment Today we’re going to look at a signpost that helps you understand why characters do what they do. We call this signpost Memory Moment.

Memory Moment A Memory Moment is the point in the book when the writer interrupts what’s happening in the story to show us the main character as he or she remembers something important.

Memory Moment Sometimes the clue is very obvious: “I remembered the first time I met him.” “In that very moment the memory came flooding back.”

Memory Moment Sometimes the clue is very subtle: “My dad liked to tell the story about...” “This picture always reminded me of...” How might a writer reveal a Memory Moment in a silent film?

Memory Moment STOP and Notice & Note When you’re reading and the author interrupts the action to tell you a memory. You should stop yourself and ask: “Why might this memory be important?” The answers will tell you about the theme, conflict, or might foreshadow what will happen later in the story.

Memory Moment Let’s take a look at how this works in two clips from Disney’s Up. Clip #2

Look Fors: Two different memory moments How the screenwriter signals each memory moment What the memory moment suggests about theme, conflict, or character--or how it might foreshadow what will happen later in the movie