Short Story Terms Flashcards
Introduction
Arouses the reader’s interest, introduces main characters, setting, atmosphere and outlines the main conflict
Antecedent Action
The situation/action which the reader assumes has just occurred before the story begins
Complicating incident
An early incident which significantly develops the main conflict
Rising Action
The events that show the development of incidents, crises and characters that lead to the Climax
Climax
The TURNING POINT of the main character in story’s conflict. It is the highest point of emotional intensity
Denouement/ Falling action
The unraveling or clarification of details that were hidden, missed or thought unimportant (after the climax)
Conclusion/Resolution
The ending; may be happy sad, unclear or a surprise
Suspense
The withholding of important information to the reader anticipate what is going to happen next.
Dilemma
A situation where a character must make a choice between two disagreeable, undesirable or unfavourable options
Foreshadowing
Hints or warnings of significant things to come in the story, prepares for climax, falling action and changes in the character
Flashback
A sudden switch in the plot from the present to the past. Used to illustrate an important point or reveal more about the character
Crisis
A moment of intense conflict
Flat Character
A limited, usually minor, character with only one apparent quality
Round Character
A realistic, complex character with several dimensions or qualities
Dynamic/Developing Character
A character that undergoes a significant, lasting change, usually in his or her outlook on life.
Static Character
A character that does not change in the course of the story
Stock/Stereotype
A flat character that appears so often that their traits are well known and predictable.
Protagonist
The central or main character in the story, struggling to overcome the main obstacle
Antagonist
The major character or force that opposes the protagonist
Character Foil
A character whose behaviour, attitudes and/or opinions contrast with the protagonist
Direct Characterization
When the author tells you something directly about the character
Indirect Characterization
When a character implies something about a character
First person point of view
The story is told by a main character who is experiencing the story
Third person, Omniscient point of view
The narrator has an all knowing point of view, where they can enter the minds of all the characters at will
