Elements of Fiction Flashcards
one of the types or categories into which literary works are
divided.
genre
Major genres of literature include:
fiction
nonfiction
poetry
drama
tells an invented or imaginary story
fiction
long work of fiction. It has an involved plot, many characters, and
numerous settings.
novel
brief works of fiction. A short story is carefully crafted to
develop a plot, characters, setting, mood, and theme, all within
relatively few pages
short story
a short novel or a long short story.
novella
the series of events related to a central conflict, or struggle.
plot
Plot
A plot typically introduces a conflict, develops it, and eventually resolves it.
A plot often contains the following elements, although it may not include all
of them and they may not appear in precisely this order.
also known as the introduction. It sets the tone or mood, introduces the
characters and setting, and provides necessary background information, often about
characters, setting, or conflict.
exposition
during this stage, the conflict is developed and intensified.
rising action
also known as crisis. It is the high point of interest or suspense in a literary work.
Also known as the turning point of the action in a story or play, the point in which the rising
action ends and the falling action begins.
climax
consists of all the events that follow the climax. Tensions ease as the
conflict begins to be resolved
falling action
also known as dénouement. It is the point at which the central conflict is
ended or resolved. Loose ends are tied.
resolution
is an individual that takes part in the action of a literary work. A character is
usually a person but also may be a personified plant, animal, object, or imaginary creature
characters
is also known as the protagonist. He or she is the most
important character in the work and is in conflict with the antagonist. Plays a
significant role in a literary work.
main character
