Fiction Terms

A conflict within a character (a decision has to be made).

A conflict between a character and something else.

A character whose actions are inspiring or noble and who overcomes difficulties

Fictional stories that center upon scientific elements

Stories that include or focus on significant historical events Example: To Kill a Mockingbird

The point of view of the narrator who is in the story. (Uses pronouns I, me, we)

The point of view of the narrator who is not a character in the story. (Pronouns he, she, they)

The part of a story or play that explains the background or makes conflict clear.

The time and place in which a literary work occurs.

A fictional tale that explains the actions of gods or heroes, or the causes of natural phenomenon

The point of view of the narrator who is all knowing and all seeing.

The feelings created in a reader through the literature.

A character who remains the same (mentally) throughout a story.

A story that involves the reader in guessing who committed the crime or deed.

High point in a story, where a decision is made that directly affects the outcome of the story.

When the audience or reader knows something that the character does not.

Something seen that represents something unseen. (Examples: dove=peace, rose=love)

The main character in a literary work who drives the plot forward

Clues that suggest events yet to come

When someone says the opposite of what they believe, but they are believed by others.

The tying up of loose ends and the end of a story.

An often universal truth (message) about humanity (life) found in literature

A story that begins in the middle of the action (Example: The Odyssey)

The person or thing that opposes the protagonist.

The writer or speaker's attitude towards the subject of the work.

The point of view of the narrator/protagonist who only sees and relates the events that are happening to him/her.

A repeating theme, symbol, image, etc. in a work of literature.

A recurring pattern in literature (Examples: the evil stepmother, the tragic hero, the beautiful princess)

Highly imaginative writing that contains elements not found in real life Example: Harry Potter

A character who changes (mentally) throughout a story.

A reference to something mythical, Biblical, literary, or historical.

When a story's sequence is interrupted and a character/scene goes back to an earlier time.

Something unexpected happens that the reader and/or character does not suspect.