Exposition
Introduces setting, characters, and basic situation of story
Initiating Event
Central conflict is introduced. Story is set in motion
Rising Action
Tension builds, conflict(s) escalate
Climax
Highest point of tension in the story
Falling Action
Tension lessons as reader moves towards resolution
Resolution
The conflict(s) is/are resolved or settled (fixed)
Protagonist
Character we root for. Action revolves around them. Not necessarily a "good guy
Antagonist
Causes conflict for the protagonist.
Dynamic
Multi-layered character. Changes over the course of the story.
Static
One-sided character. Does not change over the course of the story.
Direct Characterization
Author specifically tells you something about the character
Indirect Characterization
Author shows you a character's personality through their speech, actions, appearance, and reactions of others.
Narrator
Tells the story. May or may not be involved in the plot.
1st Person Point of View
Narrator PARTICIPATES in the action. Story revolves around them.
3rd Person Point of View Limited
Narrator OBSERVES the action, knowing the thoughts of ONE character.
3rd Person Point of View Omniscient
Narrator OBSERVES the action, knowing the thoughts of MULTIPLE characters.
Conflict (general definition)
struggle between opposing forces
Internal Conflict
conflict that takes place in the character's mind
External Conflict
conflict caused by an outside force.
Flashback
an interrupting scene that takes place in the past
Foreshadowing
hints to events that will occur in the future
Irony
an unexpected or humorous contradiction
Metaphor
a comparison not using like or as
Simile
a comparison using like or as
Hyperbole
an extreme exaggeration
Repetition
repeating words/phrases to emphasize importance
Tone
author's attitude toward the subject matter
Theme
overall lesson or idea behind a story
Cliffhanger
when the story ends during the climax
Onomatopoeia
words that imitate sounds
Personification
giving human characteristics to inanimate objects
Alliteration
the repetition of initial consonant sounds