prose lit terms Flashcards
The narrator is a character in the story; told with “I” and “me”, etc.
first person
The narrator is not a character in the story; reports only what can be seen and heard
third person objective
The narrator is not a character in the story; reports one character’s thoughts and feelings
third person limited
this narrator is not a character in the story; reports multiple characters’ thoughts and feelings
third person omniscient
The carefully constructed series of events in a narrative
plot
Describes characters in a situation without the development of the conflict or resolution
plotless short story
A narrative that begins somewhere in the middle, usually at some crucial point in the plot
in media res
A large, overarching story that contains smaller stories within it
frame story
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)
conflict
The time and place of events in a literary work.
setting
A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story
foreshadowing
An interruption in a text’s “present” chronological sequence to show readers a scene that unfolded in the past.
flashback
Gives background information on the characters, setting, and other events necessary for understanding the story; introduces conflict
exposition
A situation that makes a plot’s main thread more complex or difficult (develops conflict) creates suspense
complication
The turning point in the plot (where the outcome is determined.)
technical climax
point of greatest interest or intensity of the story (subjective)
dramatic climax
events following technical climax, when the outcome is worked out
resolution
final event in stories plot
conclusion
when something happens that is opposite of your expectations
situation irony
statement which is opposite of speakers intent
verbal irony
a situation in which the reader has a better understanding of events that the characters in a story do
dramatic irony
technique a writer uses to create and reveal characters in a work of fiction
characterization
telling what a character is like in a straightforward matter
expository character revelation
showing what a character is like through descriptions of thought, dialogue, etc. (S.T.E.A.L.)
dramatic character revelation
the reason that explains a character’s thoughts, feelings, actions, or sleep
motivation
the central character in a work of fiction or a character who sets the action of the plot in motion
protagonist
principal opponent of the protagonist
antagonist
the character who contrasts in some important way with a more important character, and underscores the distinctive characteristics of another
foil character
the character that relies on common literary or social stereotypes for personality
stock character
a character who is well-described and whose thoughts and actions are clearly received in a story
round character
a character who is not well developed
flat character
a character who grows, learns, or changes in some significant way throughout the story
dynamic character
a character who resists change or refused to change during the story
static character
the author’s or the speaker’s attitude toward a character’s events or audience
tone
story’s general feeling, usually established by the description of the setting
atmosphere
reader’s state of mind and emotions after she finishes the story
mood
choice of words and phrases in speech or writing
diction
an arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences
syntax
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
theme
