Plot and Setting Flashcards
plot
several basic events that form a whole narrative
Narrative
A story
exposition
At the beginning of the narrative, we learn important background information about the characters, the setting, and the situation, and we may begin to understand the nature of the conflict.
Rising Action
After an inciting incident or significant event, the conflict becomes more clear, and the main character starts to experience complication
Conflict
problems
Climax
The point at which the story’s suspense, emotions, and tensions peak. This critical turning point is when everything changes. Usually the narrative builds to this point, and any events following the climax happen fairly quickly.
Suspense
A literary device that uses tension to make the plot more exciting; it is the effect created by artful delays and selective dissemination of information.
Comedy
Usually used to refer to a dramatic work that, in contrast to tragedy, has a light, amusing plot, features a happy ending, centers around ordinary people, and is written and performed in the vernacular.
Tragedy
A serious dramatic work in which the protagonist experiences a series of unfortunate reversals due to some character trait, referred to as a tragic law.
Falling Action
Opposite the causes behind the rising action, the falling action details the effects of what happens at the climax of the narrative, and the conflict comes to a point of resolution.
Denouement
Shortest part of the story, learn how conflict reached resolution, a sense on balance has been restored.
Resolution
The working out of a plot’s conflicts, following the climax.
Flashbacks
A scene in a narrative that is set in an earlier time that the main action.
Foreshadowing
A plot device in which future events are hinted at.
Setting
where and when the story takes place.
