Literary terms by Ashley Weicholz

Point of greatest interest in a story, usually occurs toward the end of a story

Character is less important – story doesn't center around them, they help carry out the action

A struggle between opposing forces

A person, place, object, or activity that stands for something beyond itself.

Series of Events in a story

The perspective from which a writer chooses to narrate a story.

A struggle that occurs within a character

Story that is set in the past and includes real places and real events of historical importance

When a writer provides hints that suggest future events in a story.

Contrast between appearance and reality – in which reality is the opposite of what it seems

One who undergoes changes as a plot unfolds. The characters actions and experiences cause this

A feeling of growing tension and excitement felt by a reader.

The main character in a story, play, or novel.

When the narrator is not a character in the story, but an outside voice telling the story.

The stage of the plot that develops the conflict, or struggle.

One who stays the same throughout the story. Character experiences events and has interactions.

Final outcome of the story

A message about life or human nature that the writer shares with the reader.

First stage of a plot which gives background information such as the setting and characters

Narrator's point-of-view is all-knowing

Character who are defined by a single trait- they do not show complexities of real people.

Expresses the writer’s attitude toward his/her subject.

The feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader.

The qualities show by a character. Traits may be physical or expressions of personality

Main character most important in the literary work.

Narrator tells what one character thinks, feels, and observes.

Where the writer explores possibilities of the past or future, using known data and theories.

Stage of plot where the story begins to close. Events show the results of actions in the climax

A force working against the protagonist

When the narrator is a character in the story and uses first person pronouns

The time and place of the action in the story.

Involves a character who struggles against a force outside him/herself