Literary Terminology

Characterization

Protagonist: The main character

Characterization

Antagonist: The main character’s foe

Characterization

Character Foils: Two characters withopposite

personalities.

CharacterizationFlat Character: not really described or developed by the author

CharacterizationRound Character: described or developed by the author.

Plot StructurePlot Diagram:

Plot StructureExposition: the setting for the plotRising action: the events that build up to the confrontation in the storyClimax: the most exciting part, the turning point of the storyFalling action: the events that follow the climaxResolution: the conclusion of the conflict (how the problem is resolved)

Narrative OrderChronological Order: Events told in time order.

Narrative OrderFlashback: Story in present but jumps to the past to build background for the character or plot

CONFLICTConflict: Struggle between opposing forces like characters, nations, or ideas that provide action and interest or problem in a story

TYPES of CONFLICTS PERSON vs. SELFcharacter struggles with a personal trait or characteristic.

Conflicts Person vs. Person character struggles with another character in the story.

Conflicts PERSON vs. SOCIETYcharacter struggles with established laws / norms.

Conflicts Person vs. NATURE character struggles with the environment or natural elements

Conflicts PERSON vs. DESTINY character struggles against a pre-determined fate

Conflicts PERSON vs. SUPERNATURAL character struggles against ghosts, aliens or monsters

SuspenseTension in the story that keeps the audience interested in the story.

ForeshadowingClues about what will happen later on in the story.“Mountain lions will never bother you unless they are wounded or cornered, but if they are, you better look out.”- from Where the Red Fern Grows

SettingInformation about where and when a story takes place (settings may change)

ThemeThe author’s larger message about life-- a topic from the story PLUS the message about the topic. Example: People are equal no matter what they look like.

Irony Something unexpected happens; or goes against the expected outcome

Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony: the audience knows something the characters do not know.

Situational IronySituational Irony: audience is shocked by something because the outcome is different from what was expected.

Verbal IronyVerbal Irony (sarcasm): when a character says something that differs from what they mean or really feelBeautiful weather we’re having…….

Point of View-First PersonFirst Person: Uses first person pronouns such as I, we, us. Narrator is part of action.

Point of View-Second PersonSecond Person: Uses the second person pronouns you, your, yours (role play and “Choose Your Own Adventure” Books)

Point of View-Types of Third Person

Third Person: Uses pronouns such as he, she, it, they, them. The narrator is not a part of the action.Third person objective: narrator tells story through character’s actions and dialogue; no thoughts or feelings revealedThird person omniscient: narrator reveals all character’s thoughts, feelings and is ‘all knowing’Third person limited: the narrator only reveals the thoughts and feelings of one character

ToneThe overall voice; how writing sounds to the audience IE: sarcastic, witty, serious, etc.

Mood The overall emotion / feeling created by the author. ex: cheerful, sad,etc.

The End!