Short Story Terms

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Arouses the reader’s interest, introduces main characters, setting, atmosphere and outlines the main conflict

Question 2

Antecedent Action

Answer 2

The situation/action which the reader assumes has just occurred before the story begins

Question 3

Complicating incident

Answer 3

An early incident which significantly develops the main conflict

Question 4

Rising Action

Answer 4

The events that show the development of incidents, crises and characters that lead to the Climax

Question 5

Climax

Answer 5

The TURNING POINT of the main character in story’s conflict. It is the highest point of emotional intensity

Question 6

Denouement/ Falling action

Answer 6

The unraveling or clarification of details that were hidden, missed or thought unimportant (after the climax)

Question 7

Conclusion/Resolution

Answer 7

The ending; may be happy sad, unclear or a surprise

Question 8

Suspense

Answer 8

The withholding of important information to the reader anticipate what is going to happen next.

Question 9

Dilemma

Answer 9

A situation where a character must make a choice between two disagreeable, undesirable or unfavourable options

Question 10

Foreshadowing

Answer 10

Hints or warnings of significant things to come in the story, prepares for climax, falling action and changes in the character

Question 11

Flashback

Answer 11

A sudden switch in the plot from the present to the past. Used to illustrate an important point or reveal more about the character

Question 12

Crisis

Answer 12

A moment of intense conflict

Question 13

Flat Character

Answer 13

A limited, usually minor, character with only one apparent quality

Question 14

Round Character

Answer 14

A realistic, complex character with several dimensions or qualities

Question 15

Dynamic/Developing Character

Answer 15

A character that undergoes a significant, lasting change, usually in his or her outlook on life.

Question 16

Static Character

Answer 16

A character that does not change in the course of the story

Question 17

Stock/Stereotype

Answer 17

A flat character that appears so often that their traits are well known and predictable.

Question 18

Protagonist

Answer 18

The central or main character in the story, struggling to overcome the main obstacle

Question 19

Antagonist

Answer 19

The major character or force that opposes the protagonist

Question 20

Character Foil

Answer 20

A character whose behaviour, attitudes and/or opinions contrast with the protagonist

Question 21

Direct Characterization

Answer 21

When the author tells you something directly about the character

Question 22

Indirect Characterization

Answer 22

When a character implies something about a character

Question 23

First person point of view

Answer 23

The story is told by a main character who is experiencing the story

Question 24

Third person, Omniscient point of view

Answer 24

The narrator has an all knowing point of view, where they can enter the minds of all the characters at will

Question 25

Third person, limited omniscient point of view

Answer 25

The narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character

Question 26

Objective point of view

Answer 26

The narrator has no special knowledge and solely observes

Question 27

Man vs Man Conflict

Answer 27

This is a conflict between two characters. The conflict may be physical, emotional or psychological

Question 28

Man vs Self Conflict

Answer 28

This is a conflict within a character. In this case, the character experiences conflicts in emotion and/or thought

Question 29

Man Vs Environment

Answer 29

The environment might be nature, society or circumstance