1. For Science Fiction/Horror Unit
Literary Elements
For
Science Fiction/Horror Unit

2. Plot
The story line or pattern of events.

3. Theme
A central idea or the lesson learned.

4. Setting The time and location a story takes place.
Geographic location, time period, daily environment of the characters.

5. Protagonist
The chief character in a work. The action in the work typically centers around them.
Can you think of any examples?

6. Antagonist
The character directly opposed to the protagonist. A rival, opponent, or enemy of the protagonist.

7. Conflict
The struggle between two opposing forces. This creates SUSPENSE!!!!

8. Point of View The vantage point from which an author presents a story.
1st person- I, Me, We, Us, Our
3rd person- He, She, They, Them

9. Foreshadowing
Prepares the reader or viewer for action to come.

10. Flashback
Presentation of material that occurred prior to the opening scene of the work. Go back into the past to show what happened before.

11. Irony
Similar to sarcasm but is less harsh. A sort of grim humor and unemotional detachment.

12. Characterization
The creation of imaginary persons so that they seem lifelike.

13. Figurative Language
Meaning of words.

14. Simile
A comparison between two objects using “like” or “as”.

15. Metaphor A comparison between two dissimilar things.
Ex: The sky was a black mass of spiders.

16. Personification
Giving “human-like” qualities to non-human things.