Literary Terms

Setting The time, place and duration of a story.

People or animals a story is about. Characters People or animals a story is about.

The problem in the story. Conflict The problem in the story.

Types of Conflict Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Society Man vs. Supernatural Man vs. Technology Man vs. Himself

Solution to the conflict. Resolution Solution to the conflict.

Plot Sequence of events in a story.

Theme Author’s message or main idea of a story.

Antagonist / Protagonist Antagonist: The bad person or thing in a story. Works against good. Protagonist: The good person or thing in a story. Hero!

Foreshadowing An author’s hints/ clues about future events.

Irony Unexpected events or ending to a story.

Characterization Direct- the author tells you about a character through direct description. * “Jack is a dirty, mean, thief.” Indirect- the author reveals a character through actions and thoughts. * “Jack looked closely at the bank vault and paid careful attention to the turning numbers.”