Elements of Plot
The introduction to the story which presents the reader with the characters, setting, tone, and other background information necessary in order to better understand the story.
What is: The Exposition
A problem that arises in the story which propels the plot forward.
What is: Conflict
Only has one or two defining qualities; they’re usually good or bad but not both; they do not change.
What is: Static Character
The author’s attitude or feelings towards his/her subject.
What is: Tone
Refers to a happening that is the opposite of what is expected or intended.
What is: Situational Irony
A series of exciting and moving events that propels the plot forward-it builds up to the climax
What is: Rising Action
Conflict that pits one person against another.
What is Man vs Man
The character or force that opposes the protagonist.
What is: Antagonist
The narrator who can report on the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters; the narrator is god-like. Can be third or first person.
What is: Omniscient Point of View
Occurs when the reader/audience knows more than the characters do
What is: Dramatic Irony
Any action after the climax until the end of the story, and is usually the shortest part of the story.
What is: Falling Action
A test of a character’s values and/or when a character has a difficult decision to make
What is: Man vs Self
Has many good and bad qualities; flawed in some way; these characters either change in some way-they either mature or regress.
What is: Dynamic Character
A character in the story that can only report what he or she sees as well as his or her opinions and feelings
First Person Point of View
Giving human qualities to animals, inanimate object, or idea
What is: Personification
The story’s most exciting point; a moment of high interest and great emotion.
What is: The Climax
The values and customs by which everyone else lives by are being challenged
What is: Man vs Society
A character the reader can relate to because he or she shares in the same human experiences.
What is: Universal Character
The feeling/ambiance the reader gets from a literary work
What is: Mood
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices
What is: Satire
The use of hints or clues to suggest what will eventually happen in the story.
What is: Foreshadowing
Expresses the insignificance of human life in the grand scheme of the universe.
What is Man vs Nature
The main character of a literary work.
What is: Protagonist
The narrator is an outsider (character not in the story) who can only report what one character in the text is thinking and feeling
What is: Third Person Limited Point of View
A person, place, or object which has its own meaning but also generates a deeper, more profound meaning
What is: Symbolism