Question

in the dark, peter wiggled the lock until the door opened, then closed it behind him and turned on his flashlight. somewhere in this office was the paper that would tell the government that he had sold its secrets; he had to find it and get it back, or the whole plan would be over. he sat down at the desk and began searching.

just then he heard the click of a key in the door lock. this wasnt supposed to happen! peter ducked beneath the desk just as he saw the security guard open the door.

which statement best describes how a character’s response to conflict develops the plot?

a. peter breaks into the office at night, leading him to turn on his flashlight.

b. peter tries to steal a paper, leading the security guard to investigate.

c. peter sells a government secret, leading the security guard to come to the office.

d. the security guard opens the door, leading peter to involve her in the secret.

Explanation:

We analyze each option:

• Option A: Turning on the flashlight is a minor action, not a plot-driving conflict response.
• Option B: Peter's attempt to retrieve (not steal, but recover) the paper leads to the guard's arrival, which escalates the conflict and advances the plot.
• Option C: The text does not state Peter selling secrets caused the guard's arrival; the guard's appearance is an unexpected event during Peter's search.
• Option D: The text does not say Peter involves the guard in the secret; he hides instead.

Option B best links a character's action to plot development via conflict.

Answer:

B. Peter tries to steal a paper, leading the security guard to investigate.