U NIT 1 N OTES Protagonist Antagonist Characterization Plot Theme

P LOT Plot- the series of events in a story Usually centers on a conflict, or struggle, faced by the main character The action that the characters take to solve the problem builds toward a climax in the story The problem is then solved, and the story ends Most stories have five elements of plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution

E XPOSITION The first stage of a typical story plot Provides important background information and introduces the setting and important characters The conflict that the characters face may also be introduced May include foreshadowing

R ISING A CTION Develops the conflict (or struggle) Events occur that make the conflict complicated The events in the rising action build toward a climax, or turning point

C LIMAX Greatest interest in a story or play (highest point) Usually occurs toward the end of a story, after the reader has understood the conflict and become emotionally involved with the characters Could be a turning point for a character At the climax, the conflict is becoming resolved and the outcome of the plot usually becomes clear

F ALLING A CTION The story begins to draw to a close Show the results of the important decision or action that happened at the climax Tension eases as the falling action begins; however, the final outcome of the story is not yet fully worked out at this stage

R ESOLUTION The story comes to a reasonable ending Rounds out and concludes the action

THEME A message that describes an opinion about life, human nature, or the elements of society A deeper meaning conveyed when all aspects are carefully considered

P ROTAGONIST //A NTAGONIST Protagonist – The principle character in a literary work Can be a “good guy” or a “bad guy” Antagonist – One that opposes others Always in opposition but isn’t always “mean” or “bad ”

C HARACTERIZATION How the traits of a character are revealed throughout the text Direct – stated in the text Ex: Katniss bravely stepped out into the ruins of what was District 12. Indirect – implied within the text Five ways: words, thoughts, effect on other characters, actions, description

S YMBOLISM //F ORESHAD OWING Symbolism - When an object means more than what it physically is (has a deeper meaning) Ex. The mockingjay is a bird, but in The Hunger Games series it symbolizes hope and rebellion. Foreshadowing – a hint or clue as to what will happen later in the text. Often happens in the exposition, but can be throughout the novel

M OOD //T ONE Mood - the overall atmosphere of a piece Can be identified using describing words (cheerful, ominous, somber) Ex. When Johnny died in The Outsiders, the mood was somber. Tone – the author’s attitude about the subject he/she is writing about Can be described using feeling words Ex. The tone when Pony and Randy talk in The Outsiders is sympathetic.