Here's a list of questions that I developed for a writing group that I'm leading. I thought it might help keep us on track. Anyone have any ideas for improvements, etc.

CRITIQUING FICTION

Who is the audience for the story? Are the story and language appropriate?

Do the first few sentences or paragraphs of the story grab your attention?

From what point of view is the story told? Is it consistent?

Is the story humorous, dramatic, mysterious, literary, poetic, etc.?

What is the moral (theme) of the story?

Is the theme easily understood? Is it too subtle? Too obvious?

Is the theme proven in the story line?

Does the story have a beginning, middle, and end?

Does the story have a major dramatic question? Is it introduced immediately and sustained?

Do the story and/or characters have clear goals?

Does the story begin at the appropriate point.

Is there ascending action, obstacles, crisis, climax and descending action in the story?

Are revelations of the story and characters made in a timely manner?

Is there a through line? If so what? Does it follow the story?

Are the characters adequately described?

Is the setting for the story adequately described?

Does the story include adequate action?

Is there adequate dialogue?

Is the dialogue realistic? Does it develop character? Does it further the plot?

Is there enough conflict within the characters?

Is there enough conflict between the characters?

Are the sentence lengths varied?