1. Elements of Literature Plot: the organizing principle; the author’s deliberate arrangements of incidents and events which tell the story. Flashbacks—Events prior to the story. Plot Structure Exposition Rising Action

2. Elements of Literature Exposition: the background information about the story and the current situation; introduces us to the characters, conflicts, and setting. Rising action: the conflicts become more pronounced, complications may occur; introduces us to additional characters/supporting characters.

3. Elements of Literature Review Climax: the moment of greatest emotional tension; everything changes afterwards; when two opposing forces go head to head and only one comes out a winner.

4. Elements of Literature Review Falling Action: events right after the climax. Resolution/Denoument: the loose ends are tied up; the conflict is resolved.

5. Elements of Literature Epiphany—An enlightenment or revelation leading to a change in character. Foreshadowing—A hint of what is to come.

6. Elements of Literature Character: a fictional person within a story. Characterization: The method by which an author creates the appearance and personality of an imaginary person. It may be accomplished by an author showing us or telling us about the character.

7. Elements of Literature Protagonist: the main or central character(s) who engage(s) our interest/sympathy. Antagonist: The person or force working against the protagonist (can be an aspect of the character’s persona or personality). Foil: a contrast or opponent to the protagonist.

8. Elements of Literature Dynamic character: a character who changes as a result of the events in the story. Static character: a character who does not change.

9. Elements of Literature Flat character: a character who has only one or two characteristics. Round character: a well-developed character, a character who has more complexity/depth

10. Elements of Literature Point of view: who tells the story and how it is told; can be first person, second person, or third person (I went, you went, she went. May be: Omniscient: inside all characters’ minds. Limited: from the single perspective of one major or minor character. Objective: detached and impersonal.

11. Elements of Literature Conflicts: the struggle between opposing forces. External conflict; physical struggles with a formidable foe or the ever present dangers of nature, society, or individuals. Internal conflict a moral or psychological issue that must be resolved.

12. Elements of Literature Man vs. man (society): the struggle of the main character against another character (external conflict).

13. Elements of Literature Man vs. nature—the main character is in conflict against nature; physical struggle against nature(external conflict). Man vs. self—the main character struggles against himself or herself (internal conflict).

14. Elements of Literature Setting : the time, place, atmosphere, and social environment in which the story takes place. Tone: The author’s attitude towards the people, places, and events in the story.

15. Elements of Literature Symbol: Anything that signifies, or stands for, something else. Symbols can be an object, a place, a character, or an action that stands for or suggest something abstract.

16. Symbols Conventional symbol: One familiar to everyone, such as a flag or a cross. Literary symbol: Only in the context does this symbol have a deeper meaning Irony: an event, thing, person that is not what it seems to be. May include:

17. Elements of Literature Verbal irony: Saying one thing, but meaning another. Situational irony: the difference between what is expected and what really happens.

18. Elements of Literature Dramatic irony: Difference between what is believed or said in the story and what the reader knows (we may know more than the character).

19. Theme: May be called the moral or purpose of the story. The unifying point of organization. Imagery: the making of ‘pictures with words’ through a collection of images. Imagery appeals to the sense of taste, smell, hearing, touch, sight, as well as internal feelings.