Style
The main character in a story, in which readers can empathize with.
What is a protagonist?
A character that the main character develops a relationship (typically romantic) with.
What is a love interest?
What a character says, and the way they say it, in a conversation.
What is dialogue?
This is where the story takes place or is located. Like the "when" and "where."
What is a setting?
What is a metaphor?
A character whose goals contradict that of the protagonist, or a thing that they must overcome.
What is an antagonist?
A character with depth or has a complex personality.
What is a round character?
How a character looks on the outside. Example: brown eyes, black hair, lanky build
What is physical description/traits/attributes?
A problem, challenge, or situation that affects the plot. Can be internal or external.
What is conflict?
Applying human characteristics to something non-human, like an animal, plant, or thing.
What is personification?
A character that enhances or complements another character through contrast. Example: Buzz and Woody from Toy Story
What is a foil?
A relatively simple, two-dimensional character who does not change.
What is a flat character?
The inside traits of a character, such as attitude, perspective, or demeanor.
What is a personality/persona?
The way a story is set up and introduced to the characters, setting, and situation. Typically occurs at the beginning.
What is an exposition?
When something occurs in a different/opposite way from expected, usually for humorous effect. Can be verbal, situational, or dramatic.
What is irony?
A side character that relies on stereotypes for their personality. Example: the jock, the nerd, the dream girl, the punk, etc.
What is a stock character?
A character whose personality does not change over time, even when a conflict occurs.
What is a static character?
The author directly states aspects of the character's personality. Example: "He was a shy and quiet individual."
What is direct characterization?
How the story builds up (we learn about the conflict and how the characters begin addressing it).
What is rising action?
A type of work that ridicules or pokes fun at another person, group, or system to make a statement.
What is satire?
A character who comes second in importance to the plot, like the protagonist's best friend or sibling.
What is a deuteragonist?
A character that undergoes some kind of change, growth, or development as the story evolves.
What is a dynamic character?
The author reveals information about the character and their personality through thoughts, actions, feelings, and dialogue.
What is indirect characterization?
The breaking point of the story (the conflict is being dealt with, changing characters for the better or worse).
What is a climax?
An implied or indirect reference to a person, place, or thing. Example: "Even Shakespeare would approve of this play!"
What is an allusion?