Elements of a Story

Question 1

participants in a story

Answer 1

characters

Question 2

time and place in which a story takes place

Answer 2

setting

Question 3

sequence of events that make up the story

Answer 3

plot

Question 4

exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

Answer 4

plot

Question 5

central problem or challenge that characters face

Answer 5

conflict

Question 6

creates tension and drives the plot

Answer 6

conflict

Question 7

subject/idea explored in a literary work

Answer 7

theme

Question 8

introduces characters, setting, and context

Answer 8

exposition

Question 9

develops the conflict, leading to the climax

Answer 9

rising action

Question 10

the moment of greatest emotional intensity

Answer 10

climax

Question 11

turning point of the story

Answer 11

climax

Question 12

release of emotional tension

Answer 12

falling action

Question 13

moves to the resolution of conflict

Answer 13

falling action

Question 14

provides closure and finality

Answer 14

resolution

Question 15

final outcome

Answer 15

resolution

Question 16

occurs within a character’s mind (e. g., self-doubt, moral dilemmas, inner turmoil, etc.)

Answer 16

man vs self (internal conflict)

Question 17

character is pitted against another character

Answer 17

man vs man (external conflict)

Question 18

character faces challenges presented by the natural world (e. g., a natural disaster, navigating a treacherous wilderness, etc.)

Answer 18

man vs nature (external conflict)

Question 19

character is in conflict with the norms, values, laws, or institutions of society; highlights struggles against societal expectations or injustices

Answer 19

man vs society (external conflict)

Question 20

character is against supernatural forces, beings, or elements (e. g., encounters with ghosts, monsters, gods, magic, etc.)

Answer 20

man vs supernatural (external conflict)

Question 21

Montresor

Answer 21

narrator and protagonist of the story; vengeful man who carefully plans and executes his revenge on Fortunato

Question 22

Fortunato

Answer 22

proud wine connoisseur whose arrogance and love for wine lead him into Montresor’s trap

Question 23

setting of “The Cask of Amontillado”

Answer 23

Time: During the carnival season

Place: Unnamed Italian city; the catacombs beneath Montresor’s palazzo

Question 24

conflict of “The Cask of Amontillado”

Answer 24

central tension arises Montresor’s from personal vendetta against Fortunato

Question 25

themes of the "The Cask of Amontillado"

Answer 25

revenge, pride, deception, mortality

Question 26

Montresor introduces the story, explaining his need for revenge against Fortunato for an unspecified insult. He sets the scene during the carnival season, establishing the dark, festive backdrop

Answer 26

exposition

Question 27

Montresor lures Fortunato into the catacombs with the promise of tasting a rare Amontillado wine. As they journey deeper into the catacombs, Montresor plays on Fortunato’s pride and intoxication, encouraging him to continue despite his deteriorating health

Answer 27

rising action

Question 28

Montresor traps Fortunato in a small alcove deep in the catacombs, chaining him to the wall. The shocking realization of Fortunato’s fate sets the peak of the story

Answer 28

climax

Question 29

Montresor begins to seal the entrance of the alcove with bricks, as Fortunato desperately pleads and attempts to escape

Answer 29

falling action

Question 30

Montresor finishes walling up Fortunato, leaving him to die. Montresor reflects on the success of his revenge, noting that it has been fifty years since the crime was committed

Answer 30

resolution