1. LITERARY TERMS

2. conflict
The plot of a story always involves some sort of conflict or struggle between opposing forces.
Two types of conflict:
External
Internal

3. External conflict
Involves a character piloted against an outside force, such as nature, a physical obstacle, or another character (a struggle with a force outside one’s self)

4. Types of external conflict
Character against character
Character against nature
Character against machine
Character against society
Character against the supernatural

5. INTERNAL CONFLICT
a conflict that happens within a character (a struggle with one’s self; when a person has to make a decision)

6. PLOT the sequence of events in a story
generally built around the conflict
usually includes four stages

7. FREYTAG’S PYRAMID: PLOT CHART

8. Exposition
In fiction the structure normally begins with exposition. It is the beginning of the story where the characters and setting are revealed.

9. where the conflict in the story is revealed
rising action
where the conflict in the story is revealed

10. the most intense point and turning point in the story
climax
the most intense point and turning point in the story

11. Follows the climax where the tension eases
FALLING ACTION
Follows the climax where the tension eases

12. RESOLUTION/DENOUEMENT
The final resolution or clarification of a plot

13. FREYTAG’S PYRAMID: PLOT CHART

14. the time and the location in which a story takes place
SETTING
the time and the location in which a story takes place

15. theme must be stated in at least one complete sentence
must be expressed as a generalization about life or human nature (LIFE LESSON)
should explain the whole story
should not be confused with a moral

16. HOW IS A THEME DETERMINED?
Ask how the protagonist has changed during the story OR
Think about the story’s title or statements in the story that point to the writer’s view of the world or human nature

17. types of characters main character minor character
Dynamic/round character – experiences major change in personality or attitude
Static/flat character – no change occurs
Protagonist – the main character (is not always a good person)
Antagonist – opposes the protagonist
Foil – differs drastically from other characters

18. CHARACTERIZATION Direct characterization
the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives or phrases

19. CHARACTERIZATION (CON’T)
Indirect characterization
the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.

20. MOTIVATION
the mixture of a situation and personality that impels a character to behave the way he or she does

21. ePIPHANY
the insight or revelation gained when one suddenly understands the essence of an object, gesture, statement, situation, moment, or mentality;
They see the commonplace for what it really is beneath the surface.
Bottom Line: An “Ah-Ha” Moment

22. FLASHBACK
a scene that interrupts the present action of a narrative work to depict some earlier event
It is often an event that occurred before the opening scene of the work via remembrance, dream, or some other mechanism.

23. hints or clues as to what is to come later
foreshadowing
a technique in which the author suggests or predicts an outcome of a plot;
hints or clues as to what is to come later

24. suspense
the quality of a literary work that makes the reader or audience uncertain or tense about the outcome of events; makes the reader ask “What will happen next?”

25. The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature
symbolism
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature

26. tone
The attitude of the author toward his/her subject Ex: fear, suspense, humor, optimism, pessimism, melancholy, anger, neutral, etc.

27. Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the five senses
IMAGERY
Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the five senses

28. IRONY
A contrast between appearance and reality – usually one in which reality is the opposite of what it seems

29. POINT OF VIEW
The method of narration used in a short story; who is telling the story? First person, third person, third person omniscient (all knowing)