GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Stages of plot Plot: is the series of events that make up the story. Initiating incident: the event that begins a conflict Rising action: the series of events that lead up to the climax

Stages of plot Climax: the major crisis in the story and usually it is a turning point for the protagonist. It is also the highest point of emotional intensity for the reader Falling action: the series of events that follow the climax

Plot Denouement: The resolution of the conflict that occurs after the climax. Often things which were unclear earlier are explained. Indeterminate endings: the conflict is unresolved at the end

Conflict Conflict: a struggle between opposing characters or forces, usually between the protagonist and someone or something else Internal conflict: a struggle within a character over desires, ideas, or goals

Conflict External conflict: a struggle between a character and his/her surroundings or between two characters. It can be physical, emotional, or psychological Dilemma: a difficult choice between two equally unpleasant alternatives

Plot Suspense: a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety felt by the reader over what will happen to the protagonist. Foreshadowing: a hint of what is going to happen later in the story

Symbol: something that stands for, or represents something else. Often it is a concrete object that represents an abstract idea Motif: A recurring idea or theme (ex: love, war, evil, leadership)

Theme: the central idea (or message) of a story. It is usually implied rather than directly stated. It is expressed as a complete sentence. Setting: the place and time in which a story occurs

Atmosphere: the pervading feeling created by a story (a.k.a. Mood) Tone: the attitude the writer takes toward his/her subject, characters, or audience (ex: serious, reflective)

Character Types Dynamic character: one who undergoes a significant, lasting change, usually in her/her outlook Static character: one who does not change throughout the course of the story

Character types Round character: a realistic character with several qualities/traits Flat character: a limited character who has only one or two apparent traits

Character types Stock/Stereotype character: a predictable, one-dimensional character who fits a set pattern of behaviour (ex: jock, nerd)

Character foil: a minor character whose situation or actions contrast with those of a major character. The contrast illuminates the main character Narrator: one who tells the story

Protagonist: the main character Antagonist: the major character or force in conflict with the protagonist

Point of View Point of View: the perspective from which a story is told First person: the protagonist tells the story directly to the reader (“I”). The reader knows the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist only

Point of View Limited omniscient: a narrator tells the story, and refers to characters as he, she, or by name (third person). It shows only what one character thinks and feels Omniscient: third person narration, that shows the thoughts and feelings of several or all characters

Point of View Objective: a narrator tells the story, revealing only what characters say or do. There is no insight into characters’ thoughts.

Point of View Stream of Consciousness: a narrative that shows a character’s thoughts as they occur, without interpretation and possibly without conventional punctuation

Irony Irony: a device that reveals concealed or contradictory meanings Dramatic Irony: occurs when what a character says or believes contrasts with what the reader knows to be true

Irony Verbal irony: occurs when what is said contrasts with what is meant (ex: sarcasm) Situational irony: occurs when what takes place contrasts with what is expected or what seems appropriate

Miscellaneous terms Allegory: a story with a second distinct meaning, partially hidden behind its literal meaning (uses metaphor, personification) Allusion: a reference to a person, place, or thing from literature, the bible, mythology or history

Satire: exposes the failings of individuals, institutions, or societies through ridicule or scorn