Narrative Terms and Devices Flashcards
What is the definition of plot in a story?
The series of incidents that make up the story.
What is a theme in a story?
The underlying message that emerges from a story, often universal and inferred rather than stated.
What is point of view in a story?
The viewpoint from which the author tells the story.
What is first-person point of view?
The story is told by the main character using ‘I’ and cannot reveal other characters’ thoughts or feelings.
What is third-person point of view?
A narrative perspective where characters are referred to as he, she, or they.
What is omniscient point of view?
A third-person perspective where the author knows and describes both the inner and outer experiences of all characters.
What is limited omniscient point of view?
A third-person perspective where the story is told from one character’s viewpoint without using ‘I’.
Who is the protagonist in a story?
The main character, whose success or failure engages the reader.
Who is the antagonist in a story?
A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict.
What is foreshadowing?
A literary device that hints at future events in a story.
What is a symbol in literature?
Something that stands for or represents something else, such as a character, object, event, or setting.
What is denotation?
The direct, literal meaning of a word.
What is connotation?
The implied or suggested meaning of a word.
What is pathetic fallacy?
When the weather, setting, or environment reflects the emotions or events in a story.
What is a round character?
A realistic character with multiple sides or aspects to their nature.
What is a flat character?
A minor character with only one apparent quality.
What is a realistic character?
A character that appears true to life.
What is a stereotyped (stock) character?
A character based on a fixed pattern, typical in a specific setting or plot (e.g., action hero, workaholic).
What is a dynamic character?
A character who undergoes a significant, lasting change in outlook or development.
What is a static character?
A character who does not change or grow throughout a story.
What is external conflict?
Physical conflict between external forces, such as person vs. person, person vs. nature, or person vs. society.
What is internal conflict?
Emotional, moral, or psychological conflict within a character (person vs. self).
What is irony?
A literary device that reveals concealed or contradictory meanings.
What is verbal irony?
Saying the opposite of what is meant, often as sarcasm.
What is situational irony?
When the opposite of what is expected happens.
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience knows something the characters do not.
