The Wounded Wolf

by Jean Craighead George

Review

1. What is the setting of “The Wounded Wolf”?

• The story takes place in the Arctic during the winter when food is scarce.

2. Who is Roko in the story?

• He is a wolf that has been wounded.

3. How was Roko wounded?

• He has been struck by the hoof of a caribou.

4. What action did Roko take to save himself?

• He goes to a sheltered rock to protect himself.

5. Who is Kiglo in the story?

• He is the leader of a pack of wolves.

6. How does Kiglo learn that Roko is hurt?

• The wolves hear the raven’s message that someone is dying.

7. What does Kiglo’s behavior show about how wolves take care of pack members?

• Kiglo takes Roko food.

8. Which animal is the first to see Roko’s signal?

• The raven is the first animal that realizes Roko is wounded.

9. Why do the raven and other animals follow Roko?

• They are hungry.

10. What character trait does Roko have that helps him survive being wounded?

• Roko is brave and determined.

11. What is the resolution of “The Wounded Wolf”?

• Kiglo arrives with food for Roko.

12. What is Roko’s conflict in the story?

• It is an external conflict involving his being followed by other animals.

13. What is the theme for “The Wounded Wolf”?

• Courage and determination are tools for survival.

14. At the end of “The Wounded

Wolf,” why does the wolf pack bark and howl?

• They are pleased that Roko is able to return to the pack.

15. In the story, why does the raven cry, “Kong, kong, kong”?• The raven alerts the

others that he has found food.

16. Which term names the point in “The Wounded Wolf” when the ravens and other animals get closer and closer to Roko?

• climax

17. Why does Roko wedge himself between a rock and the ground?

• Roko is trying to protect himself.

What is the setting of a story?

• The setting is the time and location of a story.

What is a good definition of a character’s traits? Name three examples.• A character’s traits are his or her personal qualities.

– Brave– Determined– Honest

What is a climax?

• Climax is the high point of a story. It is the most important part because at that point the story’s outcome becomes clear.

What is a good definition for theme?

• The theme of the story is the insight about life that the story conveys.

Never give up.

At what point in a plot does the greatest tension occur?

• The climax has the most tension because it is the most intense, exciting part.

18. The plot of a short story most always has a ______.conflict

19. An ______ conflict is a problem that takes place in the mind of a character.

internal

20. An _______conflict is a struggle against an outside force.

external

21. The _________ of a short story is the point at which the conflict is resolved.

resolution

Text-Based Question

A character’s traits help readers understand the character and his or her actions. A character acts in certain ways because of his or her motives. In “The Wounded Wolf,” what do Roko’s character traits tell you about him that help you understand his actions? What motives lead him to act in certain ways? Use details from the story to help you respond.

Text-Based Question

Roko is brave and determined. He must overcome his enemies when he is cold, hungry, and wounded. Roko finds shelter for protection and defends himself against the other animals. This shows his will to survive.