Short Stories
The person or character who tells you the events of a story
Narrator
Tom bullies Zach because he wears glasses
Man vs. Man
The people, animals, strange characters and objects that are alive in the story
Character
A character who experiences change and development throughout the story
Dynamic
Using humour to expose or criticize people’s character or behaviour
Satire
The turning point in the story where an important decision or discovery is made; the moment of greatest suspense or emotion
Climax
The Smith family are stranded in a cabin surrounded by bears
Man vs. Nature
The struggle between two opposing forces
Conflict
A protagonist that does not fit the hero archetype due to tragic flaws or imperfections
Antihero
Reading between the lines to understand what the author is saying
Inferring
The message, lesson or general truth about life that the writer hopes to communicate
Theme
Michelle is chased from her home because her family has turned into zombies
Man vs. Supernatural
The series of events through which the writer reveals what is happening, to whom and why
Plot
Two-dimensional and basic characters who often portray stereotypes or characters
Flat
Makes an impact on the reader to evoke an emotional response
Mood
An event or character that triggers the conflict
Inciting Force/Incident
Nicole cheated on her math test and can’t decide if she should confess to her teacher
Man vs. Self
Allows the author to show, not tell, the reader the world in which the story takes place
Setting
Complex characters who can act, react and are able to express emotions; are motivated by a goal
Round
A literary device that adds a new layer of meaning
Symbol
A narrator that is all knowing about one character in the story
Limited Omniscient
A group of students fight against the school administration over having to wear uniforms
Man vs. Society
The perspective from which the story is told
Point of View
Aspects of a character’s behavior and attitudes that create their personality
Personality Traits
The general way humans think, feel or act
Human Nature