1. Short Story -Vocabulary
You not only need to know these words, you also need to be able to identify their use within the story.

2. Plot Diagram
Organizational tool that allows readers to visualize the key parts of the story.

3. Rising Action
Building the events that lead up to the climax (turning Point)

4. Exposition
Gives the background; character

5. Climax
The turning point of the story – the most exciting part of the story

6. Falling Action
Events that happen right after the climax (usually the shortest part of the story)

7. Resolution
Solution/Ending of the story

8. Foreshadowing
A hint/warning of a future Event

9. Narrator
The person telling the story (speaker)

10. Unreliable Narrator
Credibility of the narrator is compromised (Insane; child)

11. Duality
Two opposite parts being explored – Good vs. Evil

12. Suspense
A state of feeling of excited or anxious about what will happen next in the story.

13. Protagonist
The main character(s) in the story

14. Antagonist
Character/thing that is opposed to the main character.

15. Verbal Irony
Words that are the opposite of what is meant – often sarcastic

16. Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows what is going to happen, but the characters do not know. Often used for humor/horror

17. Situational Irony When the opposite happens of what is expected.
EX: The firehouse catches on fire

18. Alliteration Same sounds at the start of words –
EX: The little Lady Licks the lollipop.

19. Metaphor Compare two unlike things without using like or as.
My mom’s pancakes are clouds.
My mom’s pancakes are rocks.

20. Simile Compare two unlike things using Like or as.
Ex: The scar on her face is like a lightening bolt.

21. Symbolism
An object that represents ideas or qualities.

22. Theme
A central idea to the story.

23. Allegory
Story that has a hidden message - usually moral or political

24. Short Story
Shorter story than a Novel – typically can be read in one sitting.