Literary Terms Refresher

Motivation

A character’s ___________ drives the plot by pushing them toward action to achieve a goal. It creates conflict when obstacles block their path. 

Flaw

A character’s ______________ must be overcome in order for them to resolve the conflict and become a more fulfilled person.

Strength/Resiliencies

A character’s ___________ allow them to overcome certain obstacles in the way or attract allies that aid them on their path. 

Character Arc

A character’s ___________ illustrates a theme that readers or watchers of the story can learn from.

External Action

________________ illustrates a character’s traits by demonstrating their qualities through decisions they make that influence the plot in key ways. 

Internal Thought

________________ illustrates a character’s traits showing the reader or audience how a character is reacting to external circumstances. This unique reaction offers insights into the character’s personality. 

Dialogue

________________ illustrates a character’s traits through interactions with others. What someone says is key to demonstrating the kind of person they really are.

Description

________________ illustrates a character’s traits by directly telling the reader or audience something about a character that they need to know. 

Exposition

During the __________________, the author offers key insights into a character’s motivations, flaws, and strengths. They establish the setting’s rules and the primary driver of the conflict before the inciting incident. 

Rising Action

The __________________ raises the stakes through multiple scenes that further develop the conflict as the character struggles to solve the problem (and either fails or succeeds, but opens up new information to follow toward the goal).

Climax

The __________________ challenges the character to finally grow and face their conflict head-on. Here, the stakes are the highest and the conflict must be resolved or permanent consequences follow. 

Falling Action/Resolution

The __________________ reveals the theme and follows the character after the primary conflict has been resolved.