Prose & Literary Terms

The process by which a writer reveals the personality of a character is___

Universal idea or lesson about life; understood by most cultures

Force or character working against the main character in a story

"My heart's a stereo..."

In a story, the highest or most intense point in the development

When the character telling the story is an outside observer; i.e. they, he, she, it

A conversation between characters; can be used to move the action along.

An event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of characters, reader, or audience

Problem or struggle between opposing forces

A character telling the story is taking part in the story; i.e. I, me, my

An author's word choice

Writer's attitude toward his or her subject

What is the definition of Prose?

Atmosphere or feeling the reader gets from the story

Anything that stands for or represents something else

Reference to a well-known person, event, place, literary work or work of art.

Conclusion of the story

Where and when a story takes place

Hints that the author gives of things that are to come in the story.

The main character in a story. Typically the "good guy."

"The flame of the candle danced in the dark"

Shows events from before the present time of the story, often to reveal a character's motives

She was as cold as ice.

A contradiction between what a character thinks and what the audience knows to be true.

The introduction of setting, character, and basic situation in a story