Princess Bride Study Guide

Title of the Book

The Princess Bride

Author of Princess Bride

William Goldman

What is the falling action of Princess Bride?

1. Inigo avenges his father's murder. 2. Westley tricks Humperdinck and rescues Buttercup.

What are the themes of Princess Bride?

1. Marriage is important. 2. You can't have a successful marriage without love. 3. Sorrow defines us as much as happiness. 4. You must do whatever it takes when it comes to love. 5. True love conquers all.

What is rising action of Princess Bride?

1. Westley is captured at sea and is assumed dead. 2. Buttercup accepts proposal from Prince Humperdinck to become princess of Florin. 3. She becomes kidnapped by three assassins (Vizzini, Inigo, and Fezzik) and is rescued by the man in black. 4. She escaped the man in black only to realize he's Westley and they must escape the fireswamps. 5. They're rescued by Humperdinck, but Westley is held captive and tortured to death. 6. Westley is saved by Inigo and Fezzik.

What is the exposition of Princess Bride?

A commoner named Buttercup falls in love with her farm boy named Westley.

What is the conflict of Princess Bride?

A young farm boy works to rescue his lover from a prince after being thought dead at sea, while working alongside her kidnappers.

Who's the protagonist of Princess Bride?

Buttercup and Westley.

What are the major settings of Princess Bride?

Buttercup's farm, Cliffs of Insanity, Zoo of Death, Fire Swamp, Thieve's Quarter, Humperdinck's Bedroom, Chapel, Florin Castle, Florin Courtyard, Vizzini's Ship, Dread Pirate Roberts Ship

What influence does the setting of Princess Bride have on the characters?

Farm = Emphasized Buttercup's poverty, helped Westley become holy; Cliffs = Showcased Westley's, Inigo's, and Westley's fighting ability; Zoo of Death = Tested everyone's courage and intelligence; Swamp = Forced confessions;

What are any other major character of Princess Bride?

Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, Vizzini

Humperdinck

Major, Round, Dynamic, Antagonist, Motivation: Hunting, War, Bloodlust. Securing an heir to maintain that bloodlust.

Inigo

Major, Round, Dynamic, Motivation: Avenge Domingo.

Buttercup

Major, Round, Dynamic, Protagonist, Motivation: Westley.

Westley

Major, Round, Dynamic, Protagonist. Motivation: Buttercup.

Fezzik

Major, Round, Static, Motivation: Company.

Count

Minor, Flat, Static, Motivation: Inflicting pain. Sadism.

Who's the antagonist of Princess Bride?

Prince Humperdinck and Count Rugen.

Genre of Princess Bride

Romantic, Adventure, Fantasy

What are the minor characters of Princess Bride?

The Albino, Countess, Princess Norina, Buttercup's parents, King Lotharon, Queen Bella aka Evil Stepmother, Miracle Max, Valerie, Yellin, Archdeacon

What is the conclusion of Princess Bride?

The party rides off into the sunset with Buttercup on 4 white horses.

What is the climax of Princess Bride?

The party storming the wedding.

Which character do you most identify with of Princess Bride? Why?

Westley because he's sassy. He's determined: he gets what he wants. Never really gives up.