Point of view
Point of view
The perspective from which a story is told. There are two main types:
Exposition
The beginning of the story. This is where a writer introduces the storyline and establishes the setting and main characters. Background information is sometimes revealed.
Narrator
The person who is telling the story. Can be a character or an outside speaker.
Plot
The series of events that make up the story’s action
Character
A person, animal, or object that plays a role in the story. Characters can be major or minor.
Minor characters play an insignificant role in the story; they interact with major characters but do not have a large impact on the plot.
Major characters play a significant role in the story and the plot depends on them.
First Person
When the narrator of the story is a character in the story and takes part in the action. This character is telling things from his/her perspective and refers to him/herself as “I”.
Rising Action
The part of the story where the main conflict is introduced and grows through a series of complications. Suspense builds leading up to the climax. Most of the story is rising action.
Genre
is the type or category of literature. For example, adventure, mystery, science fiction, fairy tale, horror, etc.
Subplot
A part of the story which develops separately from the main story. Subplots may create the feeling of more life-like characters/situations, reflect and/or enhance the action of the main plot, influence the direction of the main plot, and provide comic relief.
Flat
A character that has one or two traits. Not well developed. Flat characters often reflect common stereotypes, such as: the brilliant Math whiz, the loving mother, the rebel, the tough jock, the girl next door, the outcast, the innocent and beautiful princess, etc.
Second Person
When the narrator is speaking directly to the reader using the words “you” and “your”. The reader is drawn into the story, almost as if they are a participant in the action. Often, the author is giving the reader instructions or commands.
Climax
The moment of peak conflict or tension in the story (the most suspenseful part). All preceding plot developments have been leading to the climax. This is typically the moment when the characters face the main conflict and readers wonder if they will overcome it or not. In other words, it is the story’s turning point. Anticlimax refers to an ending that causes disappointment because it is less exciting than what readers expected.
Internal Conflict
A struggle within the mind of a character, such as making a decision, overcoming guilt, dealing with a significant change, or feeling self-conscious (character vs. self)
Suspense
A feeling of excitement or anticipation that is created in the reader as they wonder what will happen next.
Ways to create suspense in fiction:
Use time constraints
Keep the stakes high
Begin story in middle of the action
Create dilemmas
Pile on the problems
Round
A character that is complex and has many qualities and personality traits, like a real person (i.e. Daenerys...main character from Game of Thrones).
Third Person Limited
The narrator focuses on one character only and reveals their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Falling Action
The section of the plot following the climax in which the tension stemming from the main conflict decreases and the story moves toward its conclusion. The reader knows what has happened next and if the conflict was resolved or not.
External Conflict
A struggle between a character and an outside force, especially nature or society
(character vs. nature) ,(character vs. society), (character vs. technology), (character vs. supernatural).
Foreshadowing
The use of hints or clues to suggest something that will happen later.
A weapon found in a drawer early in the story may foreshadow a future crime.
Static
A character who does not change throughout the story; has the same one or two traits/qualities at the beginning and the end. They experience no personal growth (i.e. evil stepmother in Cinderella...mean at the beginning, still mean at the end!).
Third Person Omniscient
The narrator is all-knowing; also called a “bird’s eye” or “God-like” point of view. In other words, the narrator moves from character to character, event to event, and has full access to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all characters.
Resolution
The end of the story. Loose ends are tied up, questions are answered, and a resolution is achieved.
Interpersonal Conflict
A struggle between two characters or groups of characters. argument, physical fight, verbal bullying, competition, etc. (character vs. character)
Flashback
When the current action of a narrative is interrupted to recall an earlier time.
A middle aged man recalls the first time he traveled to Europe as a young backpacker (“I remember it like it was yesterday…”).
Dynamic
A character who has many qualities/traits and is continuously developing. A permanent change takes place in some aspect of their character, personality, or outlook. The change may be big or small; the character may appear better or worse (i.e. the Grinch).