Academic Terms Mrs. Simpkins/Fall 2015

Characterization ways individual characters are represented by the narrator or author of a text. includes descriptions of the characters’ physical appearances, personalities, actions, interactions, and dialogue.

Dialogue Spoken exchanges between characters in a dramatic or literary work, usually between two or more speakers.

Protagonist The primary character in a text, often positioned as “good” or the character with whom readers are expected to identify. Protagonists usually oppose an antagonist.

Antagonist A character or characters in a text with whom the protagonist opposes. Captain Hook

Plot Structure The sequence of events that occur through a work to produce a coherent narrative or story. *Example:

Exposition Usually located at the beginning of a text detailed discussion introducing characters, setting, background information.

Climax height of conflict and intrigue in a narrative. The climax often appears as a decision the protagonist must make or a challenge he or she must overcome.

Falling Action parts of a story after the climax and before the very end.

Resolution The conclusion; all loose ends are tied up.

Static Character does not experience basic character changes during the course of the story.

Dynamic Character experience changes throughout the plot of a story.

Foreshadowing the author gives clues about events that will happen later in the story.

Flashback a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story.

Subjective personal point of view resulting from feelings; existing only in the mind.

Objective real factual without bias

First Person Narative A story told from the perspective of one or several characters, each of whom typically uses the word “I.” This means that readers “see” or experience events in the story through the narrator’s eyes.

Second Person A narrative perspective that typically addresses the audience using “you.” This mode can help authors address readers and invest them in the story.

Third Person Narrative Describes a narrative told from the perspective of an outside figure who does not participate directly in the events of a story. This mode uses “he,” “she,” and “it” to describe events and characters.

Omniscient the knower of all! A narrator who knows everything about all the characters.

Limited Omniscient A narrator whose knowledge is limited to one character

Closing Explain why it is important to know your terminology before you argue a case?