The critique questions below are only some of the questions you'll ask yourself as you critique another person's work. Add to this list as you need to.
CRITIQUING A CHAPTER OVER A PERIOD OF TIME (SEVERAL REWRITES)
THE FIRST CRITIQUE QUESTIONS
The first critique should be an overview of plot and character. Questions you should ask include--
Does this chapter advance the story?
Tell more about the characters?
Give plot information?
Does it work with the chapter before it?
Specific elements to examine in a general critique are
PLOT
Do the characters and plot work well together, or is the plot just pasted on?
Does it make sense?
Does one thing lead to another?
Has the story started at the right place?
Does the action escalate?
Are more plot questions asked before a plot question is resolved?
Does the plot fit genre boundaries?
CHARACTERS
Does each character sound different?
Are the characters doing what they, as characters and personalities, should be doing, or are they being moved around for the convenience of the author?
Do we understand why they are doing certain things?
Does each major character have a strength and a weakness which will be affected by the plot?
In the romantic relationship, is their emotional conflict strong enough for the length of the work?
Will it take more than one long talk to resolve their conflict?
Does their romantic relationship work with the action plot?
In the action plot, is the conflict between the hero and his opponent strong enough?
Is the opponent strong enough to really push the hero to his limits?
LATER CRITIQUES
Later critiques should also examine the nuts and bolts of grammar, spelling, language, dialogue, point of view, correct historical and scientific information, etc.
TOMORROW'S TOPIC: Craft Questions and Worldbuilding
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