Terms 1
Plot
the sequence of actions and events in a narrative - what happens!
Fiction
imaginary writing: prose that describes imaginary events. It may be based on historical events, but the characters are not real: Short stories, plays, novels, narrative poetry
Point of View
the vantage point from which the story is told
Protagonist
the main character; the hero; the main character of a story. The story is often told from his or her perspective and the reader often gets to know this character’s thoughts the best. This character appears in most scenes. This character is not always “good”.
Literature
written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.
Conflict
the struggle between two opposing forces/ the problem faced by the main character
Non-Fiction
factual writing – prose writing based on real people and events, such as articles, essays, opinion, history
First Person
the story is narrated from one person’s point of view. The character uses words such as “I”, “me”, and “us”. The narrator is a character in the story. We learn the narrator’s thoughts, which may be biased
Antagonist
the main character's opponent; the villain; The character or force who opposes the protagonist. This person is not always “bad”
Short Story
a work of fiction that can usually be read in one sitting; it usually explores a theme, has few characters, has one main plot, has a clear setting and a central problem or conflict
Setting
the time and place of the action of the narrative - a general era or year / location
Narrative
a story of any kind
Second Person
second-person narration is a little-used technique of narrative in which the action is driven by a character ascribed to the reader, one known as you. The reader is immersed into the narrative as a character involved in the story. The narrator describes what "you" do and lets you into your own thoughts and background.
Charachter Traits
the qualities a character possesses - not the emotions they feel
examples: a character may be honest, stubborn, good-natured, courageous; impulsive
Novel
a longer piece of fiction in which fictitious characters and actions similar to those of real life are portrayed; a novel is complex, has a number of characters, may have more than one plotline, setting and theme
Stereotype
a character that represents a type of person - an undeveloped character like the wicked stepmother, the aggressive bully; this character is usually flat.
Theme
the underlying idea or message in a piece of literature on the human condition; it says something about life.
Third Person Omniscient
third person omniscient - the third-person point of view can be omniscient-we know what all characters in the story are doing and thinking.
Charachter Development
usually the main character- develop through their experiences, may become more mature, reach an understanding, learn a lesson, become a better or wiser person
Elements of a Short Story
the main elements: setting; plot; character; theme
secondary elements: atmosphere; narrative method (point of view); conflict
Crisis
a turning point in the plot that has a powerful effect on the protagonist
Style
the way an author writes; the sentence structure, choice of words, imagery used, dialogue, descriptions and the rhythm of the work
Third Person Limited
third person limited - a third-person point of view can be limited-meaning the narrator "follows" one character and we see everything that is happening near that character.
Charachter Sketch
A descriptive piece of writing that explains a character’s personality. Physical traits can be mentioned, but are not the focus of the description. For each trait given, an example is needed to support it.
Subplot
a secondary plot in a novel – a minor conflict that emphasizes the main plot - it usually connects with the main plot, often at the climax.