Literary Terminology Flashcards
Fiction
Writing that is not based on fact.
Short Story
A brief work of prose fiction.
Setting
When and where the story takes place.
Internal Conflict
Conflict within one character’s mind (man v. himself).
External Conflict
Conflict between a character and an outside force (man v. nature, man v. man, man v. supernatural, man v. society).
Direct Characterization
A specific, direct description of a character.
Indirect Characterization
Insight into a character using word, thoughts, or actions of that character.
Flat Character
A character that is NOT well-described.
Round Character
A character that is well-described.
Dynamic Character
A character that changes or grows (learns a lesson) during the story.
Static Character
A character that does NOT change or grow throughout the story.
Plot
The events of the story.
Exposition
The beginning of a story that sets up a “situation.”
Rising Action
The events of a story that lead to the climax and build suspense.
Climax
The “turning point” in the story.
