The first scene of A Very Long Night introduces you to the three main characters: Skye, Mama, and Gram. The playwright describes each character very briefly. However, the characters’ words and actions tell you some important things about their relationships with each other.
What did you learn about the play’s characters in Scene 1? Can you say what’s NOT true about them? Try answering these tricky questions.
Which sentence does NOT describe how Skye, Mama, and Gram get along?
- Skye and her mom are often in conflict.
- Skye’s mom likes to punish Skye.
- Gram tends to take Skye’s side.
Skye’s mom is well-meaning, not punishing. She wants to serve Skye a healthy dinner and wants her to succeed at school.
Skye’s mom is well-meaning, not punishing. She wants to serve Skye a healthy dinner and wants her to succeed at school.
Skye’s mom is well-meaning, not punishing. She wants to serve Skye a healthy dinner and wants her to succeed at school.
Which of these lines is NOT a clue that Gram is sympathetic to Skye’s side of the conflicts?
- GRAM: It was getting good, wasn’t it? (laughing)
- SKYE: Gram! You hate broccoli, don't lie!
- MAMA: (stifling a laugh) You be quiet.
Based on their dialogue, Gram and Skye seem to have a special relationship based on a shared love of storytelling and a shared distaste for broccoli.
Based on their dialogue, Gram and Skye seem to have a special relationship based on a shared love of storytelling and a shared distaste for broccoli.
Based on their dialogue, Gram and Skye seem to have a special relationship based on a shared love of storytelling and a shared distaste for broccoli.
At the end of Scene 1, Mama and Gram talk without Skye in the room. What is something that does NOT get revealed during their conversation?
- Mama was like Skye in many ways as a child.
- Gram is hiding a deathly illness from her family.
- Both Mama and Gram want the best for Skye.
Although Gram has a cough, nothing suggests her illness is very serious. The big revelation at the end of Scene 1 is that Mama was much like Skye as a child.
Although Gram has a cough, nothing suggests her illness is very serious. The big revelation at the end of Scene 1 is that Mama was much like Skye as a child.
Although Gram has a cough, nothing suggests her illness is very serious. The big revelation at the end of Scene 1 is that Mama was much like Skye as a child.
Summary
Questions answered correctly:
Questions answered incorrectly:
What will happen to set Skye on her adventure? To find out, read Scene 2 of A Very Long Night. As you read, notice how important the stage directions are for introducing the two new characters.
Question
What do Arwen and Callen’s actions tell you about their relationship?
