Basic Elements
Conflict
Stylistic Devices
Plot Line
100
One of the people or animals in a story.
What is a character?
100
A problem between characters.
What is Person Against Person?
100
The message about life or human nature that is "hidden" in the story that the writer tells.
What is Theme?
100

The events that makes up a story.

What is Plot?

200
The person or force that works against the hero/main character in the story.
What is the Antagonist?
200

A problem within a character's own mind..

What is a Person Against Self?

200

An object with meaning in a story

What is Symbol?

200
This introduces characters and settings while supplying background and setting the tone.
What is Exposition?
300
The main character in a story, often a good or heroic type.
What is the Protagonist?
300
A problem between a character and society, school, the Law, or some tradition.
What is a Person Against Society?
300

The opposite of what you expect happens

What is Situational Irony?

300
This introduces complications (problems) which build suspense and is when the plot "thickens."
What is Rising Action?
400
The place and time frame in which a story takes place.
What is the Setting?
400
A problem between a character and some element of nature - a blizzard, a hurricane, a mountain climb, etc.
What is a Person Against Nature?
400

You know something the characters don't

What is Irony?

400
This is the turning point of the story and the moment when the suspense reaches its peak which results in a change for the main character. This sometimes occurs at the end of the story, without being followed by the falling action.
What is the Climax?
500

Essential thing a character needs to be interesting

What is Character development?

500

Jonah and George are going to go swim in a river, but the sign says don't. Jonah does anyway. George must decided if he will join Jonah or stay on the bank.

What is a Person vs Self?

500

The opposite of what one means is said

What is Verbal Irony?

500
This occurs after the climax of the story, resolves conflict and ties up loose ends of the story.
What is the Falling Action/Resolution?
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