Terms and Definitions Flashcards
The angle or perspective from which the story is told.
Point of view
The time and location in which a story takes place.
Setting
A character with many-sided personalities that change, for better or worse, by the end of the story.
Dynamic Character
A struggle with a force outside of one’s self.
External Conflict
These characters are often stereotypes, have one or two characteristics that never change that are emphasized e.g. brilliant detective, cruel stepmother.
Static Character
The story is told by the protagonist or another character who interacts closely with the protagonist or other characters.
First-person point of view
A struggle within one’s self; a person must make some decision, overcome pain, etc.
Internal Conflict
The controlling idea or underlying message in a piece of fiction.
Theme
The story is told using a narrator who is located outside of the action of the story.
Third person point of view
The central character in a story with all of the major events having some importance to this character.
Protagonist
Provides all the background information, exposes the setting, the initial conflict and introduces the main characters
Exposition
When all the events come to a head and begin to be resolved. The peak of the plot.
Climax
The outcome of the events: concludes the story.
Denouement
Shows the aftereffects of the climax.
Falling action
Complications or encounters that build interest and/or suspense.
Rising action
