English Flashcards
short story
A short prose fiction usually depicting a single incident (unlike most novels)
Theme
- The underlying meaning of a literary work; [blank] differs from topic in that it involves a statement of opinion about the topic. (topic + opinion)
- Is often a general statement about humans or life
- Is NOT the same thing as the subject
Protagonist
main character. A more general term than hero; not all [blank] are heroic.
antagonist
a character (or sometimes a thing) in conflict with the main character or protagonist
atmosphere
the prevailing feeling that is created in a story.
(Prevailing meaning)
existing at a particular time; current.
conflict
the central problem or issue to be resolved in a plot, involving the main character struggling against another character(s) or obstacle. [blanks] are either internal (emotional, moral, psychological) or external. Main types of [blanks]:
Person vs person
Person vs himself/herself
Person vs environment/nature
Person vs the supernatural
exposition
the revelation (usually early) in a story or play of necessary background information. (eg. Characters and setting)
Revelation meaning:
a surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way.
setting
the location and time of a story.
foreshadowing
a hint that is fully understood only in retrospect after the reader discovers more information later in the plot.
climax
the high point of tension in a plot, when the outcome is decided.
dénouement (DAY-new-MAW), resolution or conclusion
the scene in which a plot reaches its final outcome: mysteries are solved, questions answered, and the main conflict settled.
epiphany
a sudden moment of realization in a story or play, often triggered by a mundane event.
Mundane meaning:
lacking interest or excitement; dull.
flat character
a one-dimensional character who only has a few, easily defined traits. Most minor characters are [blank]. Not to be confused with a static character.
round character
a multi-faceted character, especially one who is capable of choosing right or wrong. Usually a protagonist is a [blank] character; in most short stories no more than one or two characters are [blank]. Not to be confused with a dynamic character.
dynamic character
a character who changes, especially one who comes to a major realization. The realization may or may not change the characters actions, but the character must never be able to see the world in quite the same way. Not all protagonists are [blank]. Rarely does a short story have more than one or two [blank] characters.
static character
a character who undergoes no such change.
Foil
a character whose behaviour, attitudes, and opinions are in contrast to those of the protagonist
symbol
- a thing that suggests more than it’s literal meaning
- a [blank] is something that stands for something else. In literature, a [blank] is expected to have significance.
- a [blank] is a person, place, or object which has meaning in itself, but suggests other meanings as well
Things, characters, and actions can be [blank]
point of view
the perspective from which a story is narrated. The author can chose among various possibilities.
first-person
the protagonist tells his or her own story directly to the reader using the first person (“I”).
limited omniscient
refers to the main character as “he” or “she”, and shows is only what one character thinks or feels.
Omniscient
reveals the minds of several or all characters, knowing and telling from an all-seeing perspective.
Objective
narrative that only describes and does not enter characters’ thoughts.
Situational irony
occurs when a set of circumstances turn out differently from what was expected or considered appropriate.
