Theme
The beginning of the story where the reader is "exposed" to the characters, setting, and background information.
Exposition/Introduction
Protagonist
The MAIN character in the story who must overcome an obstacle of some kind.
Character vs. Character
The main character struggles with their physical strength against other people, forces of nature, or animals.
Geographical location - Where is the action of the story taking place?
Narrator
The voice from which a story is told
The main character makes an important decision or is faced with circumstances that will impact their future.
Rising Action/Crisis
Antagonist
The character in OPPOSITION to the protagonist. (Often -- not always -- evil.)
Character vs. Circumstance
The main character struggles against fate, or the circumstances of life facing them.
Time (examples)
When is the story taking place? (Historical period, time of day, year, etc.)
Types of point of view/perspectives
First person, second person, third person
The final outcome or concluding events in the story.
Resolution.
Static Character
A character who DOES NOT change during a story.
Character vs. Society
The main character struggles against ideas, practices, or customs of other people.
Weather conditions (examples)
Is it rainy, sunny, windy, etc?
First person
The story is told by the protagonist or one of the characters who interacts closely with the protagonist or other characters (using pronouns "I," "me," "we," etc). The reader sees the story through this person's eyes as they experience it and only knows what they know or feel.
The events begin to resolve themselves. Takes place between the climax and resolution.
Falling Action
Dynamic Character
A character who goes through a major change during a story.
Character vs. Self
Social conditions (examples)
What is the daily life of the characters like?
Third person
The story is told from the perspective of a narrator who may or may not be a character in the story.
The highest point of interest & turning point in the story. The most EMOTIONAL moment.
Climax
Stock Character
A stereotype character who appears in various stories.
Character vs. Nature
The main character struggles with their environment or the natural world.
Mood or atmosphere (examples)
What feeling is created at the beginning of the story? Is it bright and cheerful or dark and frightening?
Second person
The story is told from the perspective of "you," the reader. Very rare.