Elements of Literature Terms

Characters Characters are the people, animals, or objects in a story A story can have many characters, or just a few

Main characters Protagonist Antagonist MAIN CHARACTER of the story Often, hero or character the audience is supposed to feel most sympathetic for Antagonist Someone or something that creates conflict for the main character

Setting The setting is the time and place of the story

Mood The general feeling (or atmosphere) of the story The feeling the story creates within the reader

Theme Central idea (or message) of the story

Conflict The Primary struggle between the main character or characters and an opposing force. Sets the plot in motion. Gives the story it’s energy Internal Conflict A struggle between a character and him/herself External Conflict A struggle between a character and an outside force. Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Supernatural Man vs. Society

Complications Small problems in addition to the main conflict that add interest to the story Typically cause the conflict to grow larger.

Plot A series of related events that present, develop, and resolve a conflict.

Stages of Plot Exposition (Introduction) Rising Action Climax Falling Action Resolution (aka Denouement)

Plot Diagram

Introduction/Exposition Introduces the main character, setting, and (maybe) necessary background information. Typically found in the first few paragraphs of a short story, or first chapters of a novel.

Initiating Event Introduces a conflict or problem First event that sets the plot events (rising action) into motion

Rising Action/Complications The plot develops as additional conflicts arise that cause more problems and complications for the character.

Climax Climax The most exciting point in the story, when the conflict is decided AKA “the turning point” It is the scene when the outcome of the conflict is still undecided, but you know it is about to be revealed (suspenseful)

Resolution Resolution The conflict is resolved, the outcome is now known, and the story is brought to a close. Also know as “Denouement”

Chronological Order Most plots follow a linear progression (straight line) from beginning to end, following a sequence of cause and effect events.