Fleischman, S. (1986). The Whipping Boy. [New York]: Troll.

Exposition:

Jemmy, royal whipping boy for the spoiled “Prince Brat,” is frequently beaten when the prince misbehaves .

Conflict:

 One night, the prince makes Jemmy run away with him off into the wild woods.

Rising Action:

During their runaway adventure, the boys are captured by two thugs who discover that one of them is a prince.

Climax:

During a daring escape, Jemmy and Prince encounter a girl with a dancing bear, a potato salesman, and a sewer dwelling rat catcher who help them evade the would-be kidnappers.

Falling Action:

 After their escape, Prince requests that Jemmy go back to the castle with him even though there is a bounty on Jemmy’s head.

Resolution:

After consulting with the King, Jemmy is not punished, and he becomes true friends with the reformed Prince.

Literary Qualities:

1)      Great study of historical fiction characteristics.

2)      Many opportunities to consider point of view (Jemmy’s versus Prince’s Brat’s perspective.)