Conflict
A struggle between two opposing forces.
The reason why an author chose to write a particular piece.
Author's Purpose
The use of details from the five senses to add color and depth to writing.
Sensory language
The position from which something or someone is observed.
Point of View
The location and time frame in which the action of a narrative takes place.
Setting
An external conflict in which two or more characters are pitted against one another.
Character vs Character
The author's goal is to convince the reader to agree with the author.
To persuade
Name the sense: Her raven black hair, still dripping after the shower, left a cascade of water spots trickling down the back of her white t-shirt.
Sight
Narrated by a character in the story/action; uses pronouns “I,” “my,” “me,” and “mine;” is not always a reliable narrator
First Person
The way a story is told/language and voice used.
Tone
A type of conflict that takes place inside a character's mind.
Character vs Self
The author wishes to enlighten their readership about a real-world topic. Often, they will do this by providing lots of facts.
To inform
Name the sense: Ugh, I hate when the sour taste of sweat drips into my mouth during practice.
Taste
Narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of only one or two characters.
Third Person Limited
Told in sequential or chronological order (from beginning to end).
Linear Plot
An external conflict that occurs in literature when the protagonist is placed in opposition with the government, a cultural tradition, or societal norm of some kind.
Character vs Society
Authors have the goal of telling a story or describing real or imaginary characters, places and events.
To entertain
Name the sense: We woke up sluggish, tired from last night's ruckus. Our new puppy restlessly wandered around the house, his nails clicking over the wood floor like tap-dancing beetles, and his incessant, sharp-pitched whining filled all the corners of the house.
Sound
All-knowing; narrator knows thoughts & feelings of two or more characters; reader often knows or finds out events before the characters do.
Third Person Omniscient
The feeling an author/narrator is trying to convey to the reader.
Mood
An external conflict where a character faces resistance from a natural force.
Character vs Nature
Authors want to tell the reader how to do something or reveal to them how something works. This type of writing is about communicating a method or a process.
To explain
Name the sense: “By the bye,” said the Professor, looking uneasily about him,” what singular fragrance is this in your apartment? Is it the perfume of your gloves? It is faint, but delicious, and yet, after all, by no means agreeable. Were I to breathe it long, methinks it would make me ill. It is like the breath of a flower.”
Smell
Narrator speaks directly to the reader; uses pronouns “you” and “your;” rarely used in short stories and novels.
Told out of order (story may start with present and flashback to past, then back to present).
Nonlinear Plot