prose lit terms

Question 1

The narrator is a character in the story; told with “I” and “me”, etc.

Answer 1

first person

Question 2

The narrator is not a character in the story; reports only what can be seen and heard

Answer 2

third person objective

Question 3

The narrator is not a character in the story; reports one character’s thoughts and feelings

Answer 3

third person limited

Question 4

this narrator is not a character in the story; reports multiple characters’ thoughts and feelings

Answer 4

third person omniscient

Question 5

The carefully constructed series of events in a narrative

Answer 5

plot

Question 6

Describes characters in a situation without the development of the conflict or resolution

Answer 6

plotless short story

Question 7

A narrative that begins somewhere in the middle, usually at some crucial point in the plot

Answer 7

in media res

Question 8

A large, overarching story that contains smaller stories within it

Answer 8

frame story

Question 9

The interplay between opposing elements. Three types: protagonist vs. self (internal struggle) protagonist vs. others (external struggle with people, society, etc.) protagonist vs. environment (external struggle with nature)

Answer 9

conflict

Question 10

The time and place of events in a literary work.

Answer 10

setting

Question 11

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story

Answer 11

foreshadowing

Question 12

An interruption in a text’s “present” chronological sequence to show readers a scene that unfolded in the past.

Answer 12

flashback

Question 13

Gives background information on the characters, setting, and other events necessary for understanding the story; introduces conflict

Answer 13

exposition

Question 14

A situation that makes a plot’s main thread more complex or difficult (develops conflict) creates suspense

Answer 14

complication

Question 15

The turning point in the plot (where the outcome is determined.)

Answer 15

technical climax

Question 16

point of greatest interest or intensity of the story (subjective)

Answer 16

dramatic climax

Question 17

events following technical climax, when the outcome is worked out

Answer 17

resolution

Question 18

final event in stories plot

Answer 18

conclusion

Question 19

when something happens that is opposite of your expectations

Answer 19

situation irony

Question 20

statement which is opposite of speakers intent

Answer 20

verbal irony

Question 21

a situation in which the reader has a better understanding of events that the characters in a story do

Answer 21

dramatic irony

Question 22

technique a writer uses to create and reveal characters in a work of fiction

Answer 22

characterization

Question 23

telling what a character is like in a straightforward matter

Answer 23

expository character revelation

Question 24

showing what a character is like through descriptions of thought, dialogue, etc. (S.T.E.A.L.)

Answer 24

dramatic character revelation

Question 25

the reason that explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or sleep

Answer 25

motivation

Question 26

the central character in a work of fiction or a character who sets the action of the plot in motion

Answer 26

protagonist

Question 27

principal opponent of the protagonist

Answer 27

antagonist

Question 28

the character who contrasts in some important way with a more important character, and underscores the distinctive characteristics of another

Answer 28

foil character

Question 29

the character that relies on common literary or social stereotypes for personality

Answer 29

stock character

Question 30

a character who is well-described and whose thoughts and actions are clearly received in a story

Answer 30

round character

Question 31

a character who is not well developed

Answer 31

flat character

Question 32

a character who grows, learns, or changes in some significant way throughout the story

Answer 32

dynamic character

Question 33

a character who resists change or refused to change during the story

Answer 33

static character

Question 34

the author’s or the speaker’s attitude toward a character’s events or audience

Answer 34

tone

Question 35

story’s general feeling, usually established by the description of the setting

Answer 35

atmosphere

Question 36

reader’s state of mind and emotions after she finishes the story

Answer 36

mood

Question 37

choice of words and phrases in speech or writing

Answer 37

diction

Question 38

an arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences

Answer 38

syntax

Question 39

controlling idea of literary work, that is a general truth of commentary about life, people, and the world that is brought out in a story

Answer 39

theme