Story Elements AP Lit Flashcards
indirect characterization
the character is revealed through their personality, appearance, words, actions, and effect on others
direct characterization
the author directly states a character’s traits
plot
the sequence of events in a literary work
in media res
a piece of writing that begins in the middle of the action
deus ex machina
an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel
POV: First Person
when a character from within the story tells the story
POV: Second Person
the narrator speaks directly to the reader; the use of “you” or “yours”; rarely used POV
POV: Third Person
someone outside the story narrates using ‘they, he, she’ etc.
POV third person limited
focussing a third-person narration through the eyes of a single character.
POV third person objective
The facts of a narrative are reported by a seemingly neutral, impersonal observer or recorder.
POV third person omniscient
an all-knowing narrator not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character
narrator
the person who tells the story
flat character
A character who is not very well developed; has few identifiable characteristics
round character
this character is fully developed - the writer reveals good and bad traits as well as background
soliloquy
an act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play.
