LITERARY TERMS

conflict The plot of a story always involves some sort of conflict or struggle between opposing forces. Two types of conflict: External Internal

External conflict Involves a character piloted against an outside force, such as nature, a physical obstacle, or another character (a struggle with a force outside one’s self)

Types of external conflict Character against character Character against nature Character against machine Character against society Character against the supernatural

INTERNAL CONFLICT a conflict that happens within a character (a struggle with one’s self; when a person has to make a decision)

PLOT the sequence of events in a story generally built around the conflict usually includes four stages

FREYTAG’S PYRAMID: PLOT CHART

Exposition In fiction the structure normally begins with exposition. It is the beginning of the story where the characters and setting are revealed.

where the conflict in the story is revealed rising action where the conflict in the story is revealed

the most intense point and turning point in the story climax the most intense point and turning point in the story

Follows the climax where the tension eases FALLING ACTION Follows the climax where the tension eases

RESOLUTION/DENOUEMENT The final resolution or clarification of a plot

FREYTAG’S PYRAMID: PLOT CHART

the time and the location in which a story takes place SETTING the time and the location in which a story takes place

theme must be stated in at least one complete sentence must be expressed as a generalization about life or human nature (LIFE LESSON) should explain the whole story should not be confused with a moral

HOW IS A THEME DETERMINED? Ask how the protagonist has changed during the story OR Think about the story’s title or statements in the story that point to the writer’s view of the world or human nature

types of characters main character minor character Dynamic/round character – experiences major change in personality or attitude Static/flat character – no change occurs Protagonist – the main character (is not always a good person) Antagonist – opposes the protagonist Foil – differs drastically from other characters

CHARACTERIZATION Direct characterization the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives or phrases

CHARACTERIZATION (CON’T) Indirect characterization the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.

MOTIVATION the mixture of a situation and personality that impels a character to behave the way he or she does

ePIPHANY the insight or revelation gained when one suddenly understands the essence of an object, gesture, statement, situation, moment, or mentality; They see the commonplace for what it really is beneath the surface. Bottom Line: An “Ah-Ha” Moment

FLASHBACK a scene that interrupts the present action of a narrative work to depict some earlier event It is often an event that occurred before the opening scene of the work via remembrance, dream, or some other mechanism.

hints or clues as to what is to come later foreshadowing a technique in which the author suggests or predicts an outcome of a plot; hints or clues as to what is to come later

suspense the quality of a literary work that makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about the outcome of events; makes the reader ask “What will happen next?”

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature symbolism The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature

tone The attitude of the author toward his/her subject Ex: fear, suspense, humor, optimism, pessimism, melancholy, anger, neutral, etc.

Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the five senses IMAGERY Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the five senses

IRONY A contrast between appearance and reality – usually one in which reality is the opposite of what it seems

POINT OF VIEW The method of narration used in a short story; who is telling the story? First person, third person, third person omniscient (all knowing)