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First-Person Narrator (POV)
This form of narration is presented through a series of letters, diary entries, emails, or other written documents. The narrator goes by "I" and is a character in the story, providing insights into their thoughts and experiences.
Exposition
it occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).
Character vs. Character (Man vs. Man)
A struggle between two or more characters, often the protagonist and antagonist. This is one of the most common types of conflict in literature.
Character vs. Technology (Man vs. Machine)
A conflict between a character and technological advances, machines, or artificial intelligence, often exploring the relationship between humanity and innovation.
a literary device where the intended meaning of words or situations is different from (and often opposite to) their literal or expected meaning. It is used to create contrast, highlight absurdities, or generate humor.
Irony
Second-Person Narration (POV)
A narrative perspective that addresses the reader directly as "you," creating a sense of immersion.
Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.
Character vs. Self (Man vs. Self)
An internal struggle within a character as they grapple with their emotions, desires, or moral dilemmas.
Character vs. Supernatural (Man vs. Supernatural)
A struggle between a character and supernatural forces, such as ghosts, gods, or magical elements, often leading to existential or metaphysical dilemmas.
When someone says something but means the opposite, often sarcastically.
Example: Saying “What a pleasant day!” during a storm.
Verbal Irony:
Third-Person Omniscient Narrator (POV)
A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story and can provide insights into multiple characters.
Climax
The turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The conflict reaches it's highest intensity, and the main character will change in some way.
Character vs. Nature (Man vs. Nature)
A character faces challenges posed by natural forces such as weather, animals, or other environmental elements.
Characterization
The process by which an author reveals the personality, traits, and qualities of a character in a story. This can be achieved through various methods, and it is essential for building relatable and complex characters that drive the narrative.
Situational Irony
When there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.
Example: A fire station burns down.
Situational Irony
Third-Person Limited Narrator (POV)
A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character, typically the protagonist.
Falling Action
The events that follow the high point of the story, it begins to show the consequences of the climax's outcome.
Character vs. Society (Man vs. Society)
A character is in conflict with societal norms, laws, or expectations, often challenging the status quo or fighting for individual rights or change.
Simile
A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Example: "Her smile was as bright as the sun," compares a smile to the brightness of the sun.
When the audience or reader knows something that the characters in the story do not, creating tension or humor.
Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo believes she is dead.
Dramatic Irony
Third-Person Objective Narrator (POV)
A narrator who only reports what they can see and cannot report on the feelings of any character (like a news reporter)
Resolution
The final part of the plot where conflicts are resolved, and the story concludes, providing closure to the narrative.
Character vs. Fate (Man vs. Fate or Man vs. Destiny)
A character faces an unavoidable or predestined future, often involving forces beyond their control, such as fate, prophecy, or destiny.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
Example: "She sells sea shells by the sea shore," emphasizes the 's' sound.
A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
Example: "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from our lives.
Metaphor