Short Story Terms

the intended language used by an author 

giving inanimate objects human characteristics

a person, place, or object that represents something beyond itself

a writer's unique use of language that allows the reader to see his/her personality

part of the plot in which complications develop and the conflict intensifies

the main character of a story; who we root for

a sudden moment of realization in a story or play

narrator is all knowing

a form or category of literature, such as epic, tragedy, comedy and satire

struggle within a character concerning emotion and decision (person vs. themselves)

struggle between opposing forces 

outcome of the conflict 

a character who undergoes no change

a recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature

events related through an observer who offers no opinions of character’s thoughts

returning to an event that happened prior to the beginning of the story

moment when interest and emotional intensity reach their highest point; turning point

use of the senses to create images

provides background information necessary to understand the characters and their actions

written conversation between two or more persons in a literary work 

the chief opponent of the main character

time and/or place of a literary work that establish its context

a character type used repeatedly, often a stereotype 

way in which a piece of literature is written

a one-dimensional character who has only a few,easily defined traits

story is told by one of the characters who uses pronouns "I" or "we"

central idea or message in a work of literature 

a narrator who misinterprets the story due to prejudice, madness, etc

emotional response evoked by a word

an implied comparison between two seemingly unlike things

narrative that springs from the imagination of the writer

a first-person narrator who does not understand the implications of the story

literal or dictionary meaning of a word

a work of fiction that can be read in one sitting

perspective of who is telling the story

hints or clues as to events that are to occur in the story

the author's expression of a character's personality by the narrator 

a character who provides a striking contrast to another character

a comparison between two seemingly unlike things using like or as

events are related through the eyes of one character

the author's expression of a character's personality by another character 

the scene in which a plot reaches its final outcome

a protagonist who is also the villain of the story

person, animal, etc. depicted in a narrative or dramatic work

Person vs. Tech; Person vs. Society; Person vs. God/Fate; Person vs. Nature; Man vs. Man

attitude a writer takes towards his/her subject

a character who changes, especially one who comes to a major realization.

a multi-faceted character

 t is the exact opposite of what it appears to be; types are dramatic or verbal 

writing about real people, places, and/or events

reference to a historical or literary person, place, thing, or event

feeling or atmosphere the writer creates for the reader