STORY BEGINNINGS & ENDINGS
This story beginning drops the reader straight into the action, not the background.
What is In Medias Res?
This phrase describes hinting details instead of directly stating them.
What is show, don’t tell?
A story describes dark clouds, silence, and empty streets.
What is a tense or gloomy mood, which makes the reader feel uneasy or expect danger?
The “big idea” or message of a story is called this.
What is the theme?
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
What is personification, which creates a calm or mysterious atmosphere for the reader?
This type of beginning uses spoken words to immediately reveal a character.
What is a Dialogue beginning?
The main character in a story is called this.
Who is the protagonist?
The narrator uses sarcastic language to describe events.
What is a sarcastic tone, which makes the reader question characters or see events as ironic?
Using an object to represent a deeper meaning is called this.
What is symbolism?
“He fought like a lion.”
What is a simile, which makes the character seem strong and brave?
This beginning starts by describing scenery, a place, or surroundings.
What is a Descriptive Beginning?
The STEAL method helps writers reveal character through speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and this.
What is looks?
Short sentences and urgent language are used during an action scene.
What is an excited or anxious mood, which increases tension and keeps the reader engaged?
This symbol often represents peace.
What is a dove?
“The buzzing, banging, booming bells.”
What is onomatopoeia, which makes the scene feel loud and intense to the reader?
What is alliteration, which creates a heavy, pounding rhythm that makes the bells feel powerful and overwhelming to the reader?
This type of ending keeps the reader waiting for what happens next.
What is a Cliffhanger ending?
A conflict where a character struggles with their own thoughts or feelings.
What is Person vs. Self?
A character’s thoughts are described using soft, emotional language after a loss.
What is a sad or reflective mood, which encourages the reader to empathise with the character?
Themes are usually implied rather than stated and often explore these kinds of ideas.
What are complex and abstract ideas?
“The classroom was a prison.”
What is a metaphor, which shows how trapped or unhappy the speaker feels?
This ending leaves something unexplained so the reader keeps thinking after finishing the story.
What is an ending that introduces a mystery?
A conflict where a character battles fate or luck.
What is Person vs. Destiny?
The author describes violence calmly and without emotion.
What is a detached or neutral tone, which can shock the reader or make events feel more disturbing?
Symbolism benefits readers by allowing them to form their own _________.
What are interpretations?
“Alone, alone, alone she stood.”
What is repetition, which emphasises loneliness and deepens the emotional impact on the reader?