Plot Diagram Terms

Exposition

Background information you need to understand the story.

Protagonist

The main character often referred to as the hero.

Antagonist

The character that goes up against the hero. Often referred to as the villain.

Setting

The time and place of a story

Internal Conflict

a conflict can be internal, involving opposing forces within a person's mind.

External Conflict

A struggle between a character and an outside force.

Rising Action

Events leading up to the climax.

Climax

The most exciting moment of a story.

Falling Action

Events after the climax, leading to the resolution.

Resolution

The action comes to an end and the remaining loose ends are tied up.

Theme

The moral of the story or lesson learned.

Symbolism

An object represents an idea.

Foreshadowing

A hint about what will happen.