Literary Elements Flashcards
Plot
a sequence of events in a work of literature
Exposition
Beginning of the story where the setting and characters are introduced
Rising Action
a series of incidents that build towards the climax, events that introduce the conflict and the complications in a story
Conflict
a serious disagreement or argument typically a protracted one, a struggle between two opposing forces
Climax
the highest point of interest or suspense in a story
Resolution/Denouement
the very end of the story and where all the plot lines are wrapped up,
Protagonist
the main character of the story
Antagonist
the main character’s rival or opponent
Setting
time and place which the story takes place
Mood
the emotional state of a character and the tone of the story
Point of View
the perspective of the person speaking
Characterization
the description of a characters traits, the creation of a personality/character in a story
Flat/Static Character
a relatively uncomplicated character who doesn’t change throughout the story, and only see one side
Round/Dynamic Character
a character who undergoes an important change throughout the course of a story
Flashback
a scene that takes place before the story begins
Theme
underlying meaning in the story/ lesson learned
Irony
a situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality
Foreshadowing
to give a hint to what will happen later in the story
Symbol
an image to represent something other than its literal meaning
Allusion
reference of a person place or thing or event to something that could be fiction historical religious or biblical text
Hyperbole
exaggeration and overstatement are used to create emphasis and effect
External Conflict
character vs society, character vs person, character vs nature
Internal Conflict
person vs self
Falling Action
tying up of loose ends
