Literary Elements Notes Flashcards
5 Stages of the Plot
- Exposition
- Rising Action
- Climax
- Falling Action
- Resolution
Types of Character
- Protagonist
- Antagonist
- Foil
- Dynamic
- Static
- Round
- Flat
- Stock
Protagonist
main character in the work
Antagonist
the character or force who directly opposes the protagonist
Climax
This is the turning point of the story The protagonist makes a decision that cannot be reversed. usually the point of greatest suspense
types of external conflicts
- Man v. Man
- Man v. Supernatural
- Man. v. Machine
- Man v Society
- Man v. Nature
Exposition
Background information needed for understanding: creates tone gives setting introduces characters
Rising action
Complications that intensify the situation, continues through the conflict to the crisis.
Falling action
Emphasizes the activity of forces against the protagonist. it is usually shorter than the rising action the end is a result of the decision made by the protagonist during the climax
Resolution
Literally unknotting. it is the final unraveling of the plot; the solution of a mystery; the explanation or outcome
Character
An imagined person in the story
Dynamic
Changes in someway throughout the story
Static
Changes little if at all. The reader’s view of this character may change although the character itself does not
Flat
A character which is constructed a round a single idea or quality
Round
A complex and multifaceted character
Stock
Conventional character types a.k.a. stereotypes. Readers can identify these characters because they’re familiar with the path
Foil
These occur in pairs. Literally a leaf of bright mental placed under a jewel to increase its brilliance. A character, who through contrast, emphasizes the distinct characteristics of another character
Characterization
The creation of imaginary person so that they seem lifelike. There are two major types
Direct characterization
The author tells the reader directly with the character is like
Indirect characterization
The author uses one of the following methods to convey information to the reader about the character. 1. Speech
- actions 3. private thoughts 4. appearance
- responsive of other characters
Motivation
The reasons and justifications and explanations for the action of a character. Results form a combination of a character’s moral nature with the circumstances in which the character is placed. Understanding the motivation helps the reader effectively analyze the character