That "Figures"
Chart Your Way
100
A comparison of two (usually unrelated) things using "like" or "as."
What is a simile?
100
The introduction of the setting, main characters, background and initial conflict.
What is the exposition?
200
A direct, stated-as-fact comparison between two things or qualities that are essentially unalike.
What is a metaphor?
200
The series of complications and further conflicts leading to the climax.
What is rising action?
300
A type of metaphor in which distinct human qualities, e.g., honesty, emotion, volition, etc., are attributed to an animal, object or idea.
What is personification?
300
The moment when a choice made by the main character(s) determines the direction of the action--the point of highest drama.
What is the climax?
400
A thing (object, person, situation or action) which stands for something else more abstract and meaningful.
What is a symbol?
400
The events after the climax which begin to resolve conflicts and close the story.
What is falling action?
500
Uses "figures of speech" -- a way of saying something that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words.
What is figurative language?
500
The dramatic resolution, where conflicts are resolved and the "knots" are "untied."
What is the denouement?
M
e
n
u