Short story terms Flashcards
Plot
The organization of incidents within a story (5 elements)
The 5 elements of plot
Introduction, rising action, climax, denouement, conclusion
Introduction
Beginning, raises interest, gives setting, contains background, introduces characters, establishes atmosphere or mood
Rising action
Events before the climax during which conflicts are introduced, suspense is built up, begins with a complication or initial incident
Climax
The highest point of emotional intensity, usually marks a turning point in the protagonist’s fortunes, NOT the same as crisis, may be many small crises leading up to the climax
Denouement
The unknotting of the plot and conflict, often omitted in order to have a surprise ending
Conclusion
Final outcome, ending, can also be a surprise ending
Setting
Time, place, mood
Protagonist
Main character
Antagonist
Force against protagonist
Static character
Does not change
Dynamic character
Undergoes major and lasting change
Round character
Realistic, several sides to its personality
Flat character
Minor character who has only one apparent quality
Stereotype
Fixed character whose qualities are highlighter to fit a certain pattern or type
Foil
Character whose behaviour, attitudes, etc contrast with those of the protagonist in order to help understand the character motivation
Types of conflict (3)
Character vs environment, character vs character, character vs self
Theme
Central idea (message) of the story, represents the author’s attitude towards some universal truth
Purpose
Not the same as theme, main effect the story is attended to achieve
Epiphany
A moment of significant insight and realization
Foreshadowing
A hint of what is to come
Types of irony (3)
Verbal, dramatic, situational
Verbal irony
When there is a contrast between what a character says and what they mean
Dramatic irony
The author shares information with the reader that a character does not know
