Read the chapter of the story where the event occurs, noting any specifics you notice about the occurrence. Make a note of each character who interacts with the event, and their response to the situation. Also, note the order of the event in the story, listing the events leading up to the situation from previous chapters. For instance, in Anne Radcliffe's “The Mysteries of Udolpho,” when Emily tells her aunt to sign over her properties to the evil Montoni, Emily was afraid for her Aunt’s life, believed Montoni capable of nearly anything and Emily believed that giving him the properties would ensure freedom for her and her aunt.
Consider other events in the story where the characters made similar decisions or faced similar challenges. Make a list of similar elements found in these earlier passages. Consider each character’s interactions with other characters in the story. As an example, in “The Mysteries of Udolpho,” you may note that Emily witnessed her father facing a loss of his personal fortune earlier in the novel, and Emily consoled him with a sentimental statement about the value of his health over the family fortune.
Ask yourself how these events change the story, define a character or add another element to the plot. Look for connections between these events and ask yourself how these events relate to the main characters in the scene. For instance, in “The Mysteries of Udolpho,” because of Emily’s prior concern for her father’s health over her inheritance, you should deduce that when she told her aunt to sign over her fortune to Montoni, she meant it as a loving statement, affirming her choice to see her aunt safe even at the cost of their future.
Consider the future ramifications of these events by asking yourself how the event you are analyzing changes future elements in the story. Use this to predict future events in the story. As an example, in “The Mysteries of Udolpho,” you can deduce that Emily will hold on to her high value for human life and distinguish herself as different from her villains as a result.