Elements of Literature Terms we will use during our Short Story Unit.

The sequence of events in a story. Plot The sequence of events in a story.

Exposition First Stage of the Plot. Provides background info, setting, and important characters It may introduce the conflict

Rising Action A stage in the plot where the conflict develops and builds towards the climax.

Turning point in the story The point of maximum interest or tension Climax Turning point in the story The point of maximum interest or tension

Shows the results of important action that happened in the climax Falling Action Follows the climax Shows the results of important action that happened in the climax

How the main conflict of the story is resolved, or, Resolution How the main conflict of the story is resolved, or, How the main problem of the story is solved How the story ends…

Conflict The struggle between two forces in a story. Could be internal or external. Kinds of External conflict: Person vs. Person Person vs. Nature Person vs. Society Internal Conflict: Person vs. Self (struggling with a decision)

The time and place the action of the story occurs Setting The time and place the action of the story occurs

Central Idea/Main Idea The most central or most important idea the writer conveys. It may be expressed in one word or a phrase: Examples: Challenges or overcoming obstacles Family Unrequited love (when the person doesn’t love the other person back)

Theme An underlying message about life or human nature that a writer reveals through his or her story. A theme is NOT directly stated. The theme is NOT a moral or lesson. A theme MUST be expressed in a complete sentence. Examples: True friendship involves responsibilities as well as privileges. There are no easy answers to parenting a child.

Characterization The way a writer creates and develops characters’ personalities. There are four ways: The Narrator may describe the character’s personality The writer may describe the character’s physical appearance The writer may present the character’s own thoughts, speech, and actions. The writer may use other characters to reveal information about another character.

Types of Characters: Static vs. Dynamic Static Character: A character who remains the same through out the story. Dynamic Character: A character who changes significantly through the story.

Types of Characters: Flat vs. Round Flat Character – a character who has one character trait. Round Character – a character who is complex and highly developed. This character will have multiple sides to his or her personality.

Protagonist vs. Antagonist Protagonist: the main character in a work of literature. The character who is involved in the central conflict of the story. Usually the protaganist changes after the central conflict reaches a climax. Antagonist: the main character or force working against the protagonist.

Terms to help you discuss the story Analyze: To look closely at the pieces of something.

Terms to help you discuss the story Inference – a logical assumption that is based on observed facts and one’s own knowledge and experience.

Inference example: “Mary Jane was smiling from ear to ear. She hugged her best friend and had tears in her eyes.” Inference: Mary Jane is excited about something.

Terms to help you discuss the story Textual evidence: Words taken from the story to support a point you are making about the story. Use quotations marks around the words from the story. Put the author’s last name and page number in parentheses AFTER the quotations marks. Example: “It towered thirty feet above half of the trees, a great evil god, folding its delicate watchmaker’s claws close to its oily reptilian chest” (Bradbury 41).

Homework: Finish the Vocabulary Sheet for Homework! Today here in my room is the Language Arts Learning Lab. You are welcome to come and work on it at that time.