Characters: Act like real people or real animals; characters’ feelings are authentic and genuine; characters change and develop over time; characters are multidimensional
Setting: Events occur in a place that could exist; setting is vivid
Plot: Events could actually happen; problems are believable and solved realistically; plot respects cultural values and unique ways to deal with issues; intended age group can understand the plot structure; plot moves fast
Theme: Author makes clear statement about theme; there’s a memorable comment or an uplifting value; theme sheds light on life; theme respects diversity