Short Story -Vocabulary You not only need to know these words, you also need to be able to identify their use within the story.

Plot Diagram Organizational tool that allows readers to visualize the key parts of the story.

Rising Action Building the events that lead up to the climax (turning Point)

Exposition Gives the background; character

Climax The turning point of the story – the most exciting part of the story

Falling Action Events that happen right after the climax (usually the shortest part of the story)

Resolution Solution/Ending of the story

Foreshadowing A hint/warning of a future Event

Narrator The person telling the story (speaker)

Unreliable Narrator Credibility of the narrator is compromised (Insane; child)

Duality Two opposite parts being explored – Good vs. Evil

Suspense A state of feeling of excited or anxious about what will happen next in the story.

Protagonist The main character(s) in the story

Antagonist Character/thing that is opposed to the main character.

Verbal Irony Words that are the opposite of what is meant – often sarcastic

Dramatic Irony When the audience knows what is going to happen, but the characters do not know. Often used for humor/horror

Situational Irony When the opposite happens of what is expected. EX: The firehouse catches on fire

Alliteration Same sounds at the start of words – EX: The little Lady Licks the lollipop.

Metaphor Compare two unlike things without using like or as. My mom’s pancakes are clouds. My mom’s pancakes are rocks.

Simile Compare two unlike things using Like or as. Ex: The scar on her face is like a lightening bolt.

Symbolism An object that represents ideas or qualities.

Theme A central idea to the story.

Allegory Story that has a hidden message - usually moral or political

Short Story Shorter story than a Novel – typically can be read in one sitting.