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.