English Short Story Terms

Question 1

Setting

Answer 1

The time, place and atmosphere of the story. Setting may be very significant , the main fiction element, or may be merely background

Question 2

Plot

Answer 2

The plot is the series of events which make up the story . It is what happens. The plot can usually be divided into five major parts on a plot chart.

Question 3

Introduction or Exposition

Answer 3

The beginning of the story when the author interests us in the setting, atmosphere, main characters and perhaps pertinent background info.

Question 4

Rising Action

Answer 4

The author introduces conflicts through some complication or event.

Question 5

Climax

Answer 5

The highest point of emotion, action or interest. This usually results in a turning point for the protagonist. It can occur at the end of a story,

Question 6

Falling Action

Answer 6

Immediately follows the climax and lasts to the end of the story.

Question 7

Denouement

Answer 7

The falling action may be unknotting, clearing up or resolution of complications when the questions are resolved. Some stories may have almost no falling action and no denouement but instead have a quick surprise or indeterminate ending.

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

The ending of the story or the final outcome. A determinate ending is resolved.

Question 9

Indeterminate Ending

Answer 9

Has no clear outcome, result or resolved conflict.

Question 10

Theme

Answer 10

The central idea of the story that represents the authors insights about life. It is not a lesson about life but is an idea or and issue. A story may have more than one theme, or merely be written for entertainment with no clear theme. Common themes are war, love, family, quest, forgiveness, guilt, survival, truth, etc.

Question 11

Characters

Answer 11

There are usually only one or two main characters in a short story.

Question 12

Protagonist

Answer 12

The central character. The protagonist may or may not be attracted to us.

Question 13

Antagonist

Answer 13

The antagonist is the major character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Question 14

Round

Answer 14

Believable character with several dimensions; fully developed by the author

Question 15

Realistic

Answer 15

Multidimensional and recognizable, with complex relationships and motivations.

Question 16

Flat

Answer 16

Does not contribute much, has one apparent quality, is not fully developed.

Question 17

Static

Answer 17

A character who does not undergo any significant inner change during the plot.

Question 18

Dynamic

Answer 18

Undergoes significant lasting change, usually in his or her outlook on life/self.

Question 19

Stereotyped

Answer 19

Predictable, one dimensional character, recognizable to us ( ex. jock, nerd, bully)

Question 20

Foil

Answer 20

A character in contrast to the protagonist in behavior, attitudes, opinions.

Question 21

Direct Characterization

Answer 21

What the author says directly about the character

Question 22

Third-person Omniscient Narrator

Answer 22

The all knowing narrator describes motives and unspoken thoughts of various characters

Question 23

Objective Narrator

Answer 23

Acts like a camera revealing actions and speech not thoughts.

Question 24

Diction

Answer 24

Spoken exchanges between or among characters in a narrative work

Question 25

Dilemma

Answer 25

Situation in which a character must choose between two

Question 26

Flashback

Answer 26

Fill in past background experiences

Question 27

Atmosphere and Mood

Answer 27

The prevailing feeling created by the imagery. Creates a mood.

Question 28

Irony

Answer 28

The difference between what is expected and what actually occurs.. Can be humorous witty or thought provoking.

Question 29

Verbal Irony

Answer 29

Words are used to convey the opposite of what the speakers mean, (Its such a nice day: reality rain)

Question 30

Dramatic Irony

Answer 30

The readers know the implications of the situation

Question 31

Situational Irony

Answer 31

Situation is ironic