The Turning Point Worksheet
Title of short story:
The Gift of the Magi
Author of short story:
O. Henry
Protagonist of short story:
Della
Climax
What decision does the protagonist face?
Della has to decide if she should sell her beautiful long hair to buy a gift for Jim.
What does the protagonist face?
Della is worried that she won't have enough money to buy a nice present for Jim, who she loves very much.
What does the protagonist take?
Della decides to sell her hair to get money for a special gift.
Falling Action
Summarize an event from your story's falling action in 2-4 sentences.
After Della cuts her hair and buys a chain for Jim’s watch, she is excited to give it to him. When Jim comes home, he gives her a nice present too, but he sold his watch to buy her combs for her hair.
How does this event resolve or begin to resolve the conflict?
This event shows that both Della and Jim love each other so much that they are willing to give up their most treasured things to make each other happy.
How does this event show you how the protagonist changed or is changing?
Della started off worried about money but ended up showing how much she truly loves Jim by making a big sacrifice.
The Protagonist’s Transformation
Exposition
Choose one adjective to describe the protagonist in the exposition.
Generous.
Supply at least one piece of textual evidence from your short story to support your adjective choice.
Della wanted to buy Jim a nice present, even though she didn’t have much money.
Climax
Choose one adjective to describe the protagonist in the climax.
Brave.
Supply at least one piece of evidence from your short story to support your adjective choice.
Della bravely decides to cut off her hair for the money, even though it is something very special to her.
Falling Action
Choose one adjective to describe the protagonist in the falling action.
Loving.
Supply at least one piece of textual evidence from your short story to support your adjective choice.
Della shows her love for Jim by buying him a gift and is happy to give up her hair for him.