short story terms

In medias res

starting the narrative in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning, to immediately engage the reader and create suspense or intrigue

Exposition

background information, including characters, setting, and circumstances, that the author provides to the reader at the beginning of the story, or as needed throughout

omniscient

3rd person pov

Local color

distinctive characteristics and peculiarities of a specific place or region, including its dialect, customs, and landscape, used to create a sense of authenticity and realism

mood

emotional atmosphere or feeling that a piece of writing

protagonist

main character whose actions and decisions drive the plot

antagonist

the character, force, or idea that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and hindering their goals

dialect

the specific language patterns, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, used by characters to reflect their regional, cultural, or social background, adding authenticity and depth to their characters and the story's setting

duality/ dualism

the presence of two opposing or contrasting elements, ideas, or characters, often used to explore complex themes and human nature

conversational/didactive pov

story is told with the primary intention of teaching or conveying a specific moral, lesson, or message to the reader

freytag’s pyramid

rising action

1

infighting incident

3

climax

4

falling action

5

resolution

btw rising action and climax

complication