PROTAGONIST
The main character of the story who is faced with a conflict (the "good guy").
ANTAGONIST
The person who creates conflict for the main character; often the villain.
DIALOGUE
Communication between characters in a story, separated by quotation marks.
SETTING
The time and place a story takes place.
THEME
The central idea/main point of a story/usually a lesson about life or human nature.
PLOT
Sequence of events that occur in a story.
EXPOSITION
The beginning of a story; main characters and settings are established.
RISING ACTION
Introduces the conflict of the story, contains complications, and builds suspense.
CLIMAX
The most exciting moment of the story where the conflict is resolve. (TURNING POINT) (Often the antagonist is clearly defeated).
FALLING ACTION
The conflict has been resolved, and "loose ends' are tied up.
RESOLUTION
The very end of the story; all questions have been answered.
1ST PERSON
Point of view that tells the narrator's story, using "I".
2ND PERSON
Point of view that uses "you" and tells "your" story.
3RD PERSON
Point of view that tells the character's story using pronouns such as: he, she, it, they.
CONFLICT
Struggle between opposing forces�creates the story.
MAN VS. MAN
When the protagonist is in direct competition with the antagonist.
MAN VS. SELF
The problem is in the mind of the character, perhaps there is a decision or choice to be made.
MAN VS. NATURE
When a character struggles against a natural force such as a flood, predatory animal, or disease epidemic.
MAN VS. SOCIETY
When a character faces a problem with more than one person or a rule, law, or idea.
POINT OF VIEW
Who tells the story/how it is narrated/perspective the story is told from.