Exposition
The introduction where the author establishes the setting, introduces the main characters and gives additional background information
Rising Action
A series of conflicts or struggles that build a story towards its climax
Climax
The turning point of the story; usually the most intense point
Falling Action
The action that ties up any loose ends and settles the conflict
Resolution
The ending where the author brings the story to a close
Plot
the action of the story, which follows a specific sequence of events; the action is usually based on a key conflict
Character
any person, animal or imaginary creature that takes part in the action of the story
Main Character
the most important character; the action of the story revolves around this character
Minor Character
less important characters; they interact with the main characters and with one another to support the action of the story; we usually don't learn much about them
Protagonist
the character most central to the action of the story; the "hero; usually a main character
Antagonist
the person, thing or force that works against the protagonist; the "villain"; usually a main character
Static
characters who generally stay the same throughout the story
Dynamic
characters who change from the beginning to the end of the story; these characters often learn a lesson that is connected to the story's theme/message
Characterization
the words, phrases and images the author uses to bring a character to life for the reader
Direct
the author tells the reader directly about a character using adjectives; can be through the narrator, another character or the character him/herself
Indirect
the author describes a character using verbs; created through that character's actions, thoughts and feelings, or through another character's thoughts and feelings about that character
Point of view
the perspective from which the author presents a story
First person
one of the characters tells the story; uses words like I, me, my and we; usually the main character
Third Person
First Person- a narrator who does not take part in the action tells the story; uses words like he, she, and they
Omniscient�the narrator is "all-knowing" and can relate the thoughts and feelings of any character
Limited omniscient�the narrator relates the
Setting
the time and place in which the action of the story occurs; creates a context for the events of the story
Mood
the feeling that a story gives to readers; the author will use words, phrases and images to create the mood; often short stories have one overall mood and longer stories may change during different scenes or events
Conflict
the problem that triggers the action of the story
Person vs. Person
character(s) problem with another character(s)
Person vs. Society
character(s) problem with the laws or beliefs of a group of people
Person vs. Nature
character(s) problem with the environment
Person vs. Self
character(s) problem deciding what to do or what to think
Person vs. Fate
character(s) problem that seems to be uncontrollable
Theme
an author's message (moral); a general statement about life that the author wants to convey to the reader