The Plot Thickens
This is the part where we learn about setting and any background information.
(What is) the EXPOSITION
The main character of a story (sometimes the hero), who is directly dealing with the conflict. The "good guy" or hero.
(What is) the PROTAGONIST
The 2 types of main struggle in a story that happen between opposing (opposite) forces.
(What are) INTERNAL and EXTERNAL CONFLICT
The feeling that the reader gets from the story. The setting and atmosphere of the story can show this.
(What is) the MOOD
When the narrator is a character in the story and the reader knows their feelings and thoughts.
Pronouns to look for: I, me, my, us, our, we
(What is) FIRST PERSON
The turning point of the story. This is the most intense/exciting/emotional part!
(What is) the CLIMAX
The "force" opposing (going against) the protagonist, making life hard/creating conflict for them. Not always human. The "bad guy" or villain.
(What is) the ANTAGONIST
Usually protagonist vs antagonist, sometimes a character vs a small group. Might be different ideas instead of an actual fight.
(What is) PERSON vs PERSON
Many people have a cat for a pet. Some cats stay inside at all times while others are allowed outdoors. Indoor "house cats" must always be fed by their owners, while cats who are allowed outside can sometimes find their own food.
(Identify the mood)
(What is) INDIFFERENT (MEH)
The narrator isn't part of the story, and knows EVERYTHING about the thoughts and feelings of ALL the characters.
Pronouns: He, she, her, his, hers, they, them, their, it, etc.
(What is) THIRD PERSON OMNISCIENT
Most of the action and conflict (problem) in a story. Suspense builds up {what will happen?}.
(What is) the RISING ACTION
The author actually tells you about the character in an obvious way.
(What is) DIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
This happens inside the character's body or mind and is the ONLY internal conflict. It could be about making a tough decision, overcoming a fear, etc.
(What is) PERSON vs SELF
How the author feels about the character, setting, or subject.
(What is) the TONE
The narrator isn't part of the story, and knows EVERYTHING about the thoughts and feelings of ONE of the characters.
Pronouns: He, she, her, his, hers, they, them, their, it, etc.
(What is) THIRD PERSON LIMITED
This happens after the CLIMAX. The climax and conflict are worked out.
(What is) the FALLING ACTION
The author shows you things about the character. The reader can infer (make a smart guess) about what the character is like.
(What is) INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION
The character is struggling against some bigger idea: the government, or culture, or what everyone else believes in.
(What is) PERSON vs SOCIETY
The feeling a reader gets when an author uses descriptive words and language in a story. This includes the setting and the atmosphere.
(What is) the MOOD
The narrator isn't part of the story, and knows nothing about the thoughts and feelings of ANY of the characters. The narrator is only telling what they see/hear, like a "fly on the wall."
Pronouns: He, she, her, his, hers, they, them, their, it, etc.
(What is) THIRD PERSON OBJECTIVE
The conclusion (end) of the story when all problems get "fixed" (for now). Sometimes called "denouement"
(What is) the RESOLUTION
These 5 things make up S.T.E.A.L.
(What are) Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks
A conflict against weather, objects, or activities (anything surrounding the character) ex: plane crash, tornado
(What is) PERSON vs NATURE/ENVIRONMENT
As I tried to get back to work, the student began to wander around the room and pepper me with questions.
"What is this room? What do you do here? Your name is Soychak? That's a weird last name."
I stopped typing, glanced up from my computer and got ready to use my "teacher voice".
"Yes," I replied, "but I suppose it would be an even weirder FIRST name."
I was rewarded with a smile.
(Identify the tone and mood here)
(What is) a SERIOUS TONE and a HUMOROUS MOOD
The narrator addresses (talks to) the reader directly. Not normally used in fiction, but sometimes seen in "Choose Your Own Adventure" type stories. Used for instructions, commands, cookbooks, manuals, etc.
Pronouns: You, your
(What is) SECOND PERSON