LITERARY ELEMENTS
ENGLISH 12
PLOTDescribes the structure of
the story. It shows the arrangement of events and actions within a story.
EXPOSITIONThe start of the story, the
situation before the action occurs.
RISING ACTIONThe series of conflict and
crisis in the story that lead to the climax.
CLIMAXThe turning point, the
most intense moment.
FALLING ACTIONAll of the action which
follows the climax.
RESOLUTIONThe conclusion, the tying
up of all loose ends.
CONFLICTThe dramatic struggle
between two forces in a story. Without conflict, there is no plot!
TYPES OF CONFLICT Internal-Within one’s self
External-Outside of one’s self
SUBTYPES OF CONFLICT
Character vs. Character (External)
Character vs. Nature (External)
Character vs. Society (External)
Character vs. Self (Internal)
SETTINGThe time and place in
which the story takes place.
POINT OF VIEW The point of view from which the
story is told.
Types: Omniscient Limited Omniscient First Person
THEMEThe central idea of the story.
SYMBOLISMA symbol represents an idea, quality, or concept larger than itself.
CHARACTERIZATION The method used by a writer to
develop a character.
Types of characterization:DirectIndirect
CHARACTERProtagonist
Antagonist
FORESHADOWINGEarly clues about what will happen in a later piece of fiction.
IRONYA difference between what is expected and reality.
FLASHBACKStarts in present day and goes back to the past.
TONEThe author’s attitude toward a subject.
MOODThe climate of feeling in the story.
SIMILEComparison using like or as.
METAPHORComparison is not announced with like or as.
ALLITERATIONRepeating consonant sounds.
PERSONIFICATION
Giving the qualities of a person to an object, animal, or idea.
ONOMATOPOEIA
Words that mimic sounds.
HYPERBOLEAn exaggerated statement to heighten effect.