Elements of a Story Flashcards
participants in a story
characters
time and place in which a story takes place
setting
sequence of events that make up the story
plot
exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution
plot
central problem or challenge that characters face
conflict
creates tension and drives the plot
conflict
subject/idea explored in a literary work
theme
introduces characters, setting, and context
exposition
develops the conflict, leading to the climax
rising action
the moment of greatest emotional intensity
climax
turning point of the story
climax
release of emotional tension
falling action
moves to the resolution of conflict
falling action
provides closure and finality
resolution
final outcome
resolution
occurs within a character’s mind (e. g., self-doubt, moral dilemmas, inner turmoil, etc.)
man vs self (internal conflict)
character is pitted against another character
man vs man (external conflict)
character faces challenges presented by the natural world (e. g., a natural disaster, navigating a treacherous wilderness, etc.)
man vs nature (external conflict)
character is in conflict with the norms, values, laws, or institutions of society; highlights struggles against societal expectations or injustices
man vs society (external conflict)
character is against supernatural forces, beings, or elements (e. g., encounters with ghosts, monsters, gods, magic, etc.)
man vs supernatural (external conflict)
Montresor
narrator and protagonist of the story; vengeful man who carefully plans and executes his revenge on Fortunato
Fortunato
proud wine connoisseur whose arrogance and love for wine lead him into Montresor’s trap
setting of “The Cask of Amontillado”
Time: During the carnival season
Place: Unnamed Italian city; the catacombs beneath Montresor’s palazzo
conflict of “The Cask of Amontillado”
central tension arises Montresor’s from personal vendetta against Fortunato
themes of the “The Cask of Amontillado”
revenge, pride, deception, mortality
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
exposition
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
rising action
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
climax
Montresor begins to seal the entrance of the alcove with bricks, as Fortunato desperately pleads and attempts to escape
falling action
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
resolution
