plot
the sequence of actions and events in the story
protagonist
the main character in the story
inciting incident
one action/event that starts the rising action
rising action
the events that build up to the climax
resolution
concludes the action and resolves the conflict
mood
the feeeling the reader has while reading a story
exposition
introductory material that provides information about the characters and setting
tone
the attitude or feelings of the writer
antagonist
the character or force which brings conflict to the story
metaphor
compares two things that are not usually similar
imagery
language that an author uses to describe; usually appeals to reader's senses
irony
when something occurs in a story that is not what is expected
symbol
something that stands for a represents something else
point of view
perspective from which story is told
simile
uses like or as to compare two things that are not usually similar
setting
time and place
foreshadowing
when an author gives hints or clues about future events
internal conflict
char. vs. self
conflict
problem in the story
external conflict
char. vs. char, char. vs. nature, char. vs. society
climax
turning point in the story
suspense
what makes the reader tense or uncertain
theme
message or lesson about life that the author is trying to convey