Literary Elements
The events that make up the story
Plot
the people, animals, or objects that take part in the action of the story
characters
the main character of the story
Protagonist
when the author tells you specific details about a character
DIRECT characterization
•Two people fighting, proving who is better
Man vs Man
a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.
theme
exposition
where & when the action of the story takes place; Can helps set up the mood or the general feeling the story conveys
setting
the character that works against the main character in the story
antagonist
when you have to determine who the character is through action and dialogue
INDIRECT characterization
Trapped on a deserted island, lost in the woods
Man vs Nature
a character's particular attitude toward or way of regarding something
character perspective or tone
climax
conflict is developed
Rising Action
the qualities a character has
traits
when the conflict happens outside the character
external conflict
MLK vs Racism, Colonial Americans vs Great Britain
Man vs Society
narrator or author's view of something
point of view
the story is resolved, all loose ends are tied, a "complete" or "satisfying" ending
Resolution
sets up the ending
Falling Action
reasons for the characters actions/choices
motives
When the conflict happens inside the character
Internal Conflict
Computer wont connect to internet, printer wont work
Man vs Technology
an idea that applies to anyone regardless of cultural differences, or geographic location.
universal theme
The moment the conflict is introduced
inciting incident
the story ends but the reader is left with questions, issues are not resolved, left wanting/wondering
Denouement or Cliffhanger
shows multiple or even contradictory qualities; struggle with why they do what they do, may change by the end of the story
complex character
a conflict within the character; madness; depression;
Man vs Self
Fighting a ghost, vampire, magic
Man vs Supernatural
Four types of views to tell a story
First Person - I, me, my
Second Person - You, me, my
Third Limited - he, she, they, know the thoughts of 1 character
Third Person Omniscient - he, she, they, know the thoughts of all characters