The events of a story. (What happens in a story!) Plot The events of a story. (What happens in a story!) Example: Most stories follow a typical plot, in which there is a lot of conflict at the beginning that leads up to the climax.

Plot

Theme A theme is a broad idea, moral, or message of an essay, paragraph, movie, or book. It should be a PHRASE, not just one word. Example: In Harry Potter, the main character learns that love is a more powerful force than selfishness and evil. This is clear all throughout the series, starting from when his mom sacrifices her life for his.

A lesson learned by the protagonist or the reader through the course of the story. Example: In Up, one possible theme is “Don’t put off following your dreams.” The protagonist wants to travel the world, but he doesn’t do so until he’s in his old age and his wife has passed away. Theme

Flashback Giving the reader a glimpse of events that have happened in the past… in order to provide important info. Example: In Gathering Blue, Lois Lowry tells the story of Kira (in her childhood) talking with her mom about how to be strong.

Foreshadowing The writer drops hints about the plot and what may come in the story’s future. Example: The author of The Outsiders hints at what will happen later on… Ponyboy: “I wonder what it’d be like inside a burning ember.” In Star Wars, Luke’s aunt says he needs adventure because he’s just like his father. His uncle replies, “That’s what I’m afraid of.”