Literary Lingo
The central message, moral, or lesson that the author wants to convey about life.
What is theme?
The main problem or struggle that drives the story forward.
What is the central conflict?
The beginning of the story, where characters, setting, and the basic situation are introduced.
What is the exposition (or introduction)?
In a movie where a group of misfits must work together to save the day, this is a likely theme.
What is "teamwork makes the dream work" or "there is strength in unity"?
What part of the plot would this clip be considered?
What is the Introduction?
The sequence of events that make up a story.
What is the plot?
The specific event that kicks off the story's main conflict.
What is the inciting incident?
The part of the plot where the conflict builds and events lead toward the climax.
What is the rising action?
The difference between the topic "love" and the theme "love requires sacrifice."
What is that a topic is a single word/idea, while a theme is a complete statement or message about that topic?
What would the theme of this clip be?
Always help others, don't abandon your friends, etc.
The main character of the story, who usually faces the central conflict.
Who is the protagonist?
A hint or clue about an event that will happen later in the story.
What is foreshadowing?
The part of the story that occurs after the climax, where the tension decreases.
What is the falling action?
In The Tortoise and the Hare, the lesson is this.
What is "slow and steady wins the race"?
What part of the plot would this clip be?
What is the Rising Action?
An object, person, or place that represents a larger, more abstract idea. For example, a dove often represents peace.
What is a symbol?
The moment of greatest tension or the turning point of the plot.
What is the climax?
The end of the story, where the central conflict is resolved and loose ends are tied up.
What is the resolution (or dénouement)?
A character lies to get out of trouble, but the lie creates even more problems. This story is exploring a theme about this.
What are the consequences of dishonesty?
What would the theme of this clip be?
Breaking free from toxic cycles to define one's own identity.
The transformation or inner journey a character goes through over the course of the plot, which often helps reveal the story's theme.
What is a character arc?
A struggle between a character and an outside force, like another person, society, or nature.
What is external conflict?
Draw and label the main parts of a traditional plot diagram on your whiteboard.
Exposition, Inciting Incident, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.
A story set in a polluted future where characters struggle to find clean water might have a theme about this.
What is the importance of protecting the environment?
Plot out on your board the plot points of this short film. Bonus points if you can identify the theme.
Inciting Incident: A Chance Encounter
Rising Action: The Pursuit of Connection
Climax: The Papers Take Over
Falling Action: A Fateful Re-encounter
Resolution: A Happy Ending
Theme: Human connection can triumph over any conceivable roadblocks.