Plot, setting, theme, characterization, and common literary devices (simile, metaphor, foreshadowing) used across fiction. Front: the term. Back: a plain-language definition with an example.
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- Plot
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The sequence of events that make up a story from beginning to end. Example: In 'Cinderella,' the plot follows her from having an unhappy life to meeting the prince at the ball and marrying him.- Exposition
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The beginning section of a story that introduces characters, setting, and background information. Example: At the start of 'Harry Potter,' we learn about Harry's background and how he comes to Hogwarts.- Rising Action
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The series of events that build tension and excitement, leading toward the climax. Example: In 'The Hunger Games,' the rising action includes Katniss training, entering the arena, and facing survival challenges.- Climax
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The turning point and most intense or important moment in a story. Example: In 'The Hunger Games,' the climax occurs when Katniss and Peeta face the final confrontation of the Games.- Falling Action
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The events that follow the climax where tension decreases and the story moves toward resolution. Example: In 'The Hunger Games,' Katniss and Peeta escape and deal with the aftermath of the Games.- Resolution
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The ending of a story where conflicts are resolved and all loose ends are tied up. Example: In 'Cinderella,' the resolution shows her married and living happily with the prince.- External Conflict
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A struggle between a character and an outside force like another character, nature, or society. Example: In 'The Hunger Games,' Katniss's external conflict is fighting to survive against other tributes.- Internal Conflict
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A struggle within a character's own mind or heart between opposing desires or beliefs. Example: Katniss struggles internally with whether to trust Peeta or view him as an enemy.- Setting
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The time and place where a story takes place. Example: The setting of 'The Hunger Games' is the dystopian nation of Panem in an unspecified future time.- Mood and Atmosphere
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The feeling or emotional tone created by the author's words and descriptions. Example: A horror story creates a scary and suspenseful mood, while a comedy creates a light and funny mood.- Theme
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The central idea, message, or lesson that a story teaches or explores. Example: A theme in 'The Hunger Games' is that survival often requires sacrifice and courage.- Major Theme
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The most important message or central idea that runs throughout an entire story. Example: The major theme of 'Romeo and Juliet' is that hatred and violence lead to tragedy.- Minor Theme
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A less important secondary message or idea that appears in the story. Example: In 'Harry Potter,' a minor theme might be that friendship requires loyalty and trust.- Character
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A person, animal, or creature in a story who takes actions and has thoughts and feelings. Example: Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, and Sherlock Holmes are all characters.- Protagonist
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The main character in a story, usually the one the reader follows and often the hero. Example: Katniss Everdeen is the protagonist of 'The Hunger Games.'
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