Analysing Fiction (WJEC)

Plot

The sequence of events in a story.

Exposition

Introduction of the setting, characters, and initial situation in a narrative.

Climax

The turning point of the story; the moment of highest tension.

Falling Action

Events that follow the climax and lead towards resolution.

Resolution

The outcome of the story where conflicts are resolved.

Chronological Order

Events presented in the order they occur in time.

Non-linear Structure

A narrative structure that includes flashbacks or fragmented timelines.

Protagonist

The main character in a story, often the hero.

Antagonist

The character who opposes the protagonist, often the villain.

Character Development

The way in which characters change and evolve throughout the story.

Direct Characterisation

The narrator directly tells us about a character's traits.

Indirect Characterisation

Learning about a character through their actions, speech, and thoughts.

Round Characters

Complex, multi-faceted characters with depth.

Flat Characters

Simple characters with fewer traits, often with specific functions.

Dynamic Characters

Characters who undergo significant change during the story.

Setting

The time and place in which the story occurs.

Atmosphere/Mood

The feeling created by the setting.

Symbolic Setting

A setting that represents something else.

Themes

The underlying ideas or messages explored in the story.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses.

Figurative Language

Language that uses figures of speech to convey meaning.

Irony

A contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.

Narrator

The person telling the story.

First-Person Narrator

A narrator who is a character within the story.

Third-Person Omniscient

A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

Genre

The type of story being told, defined by its conventions.

Epistolary Form

A narrative form that tells the story through letters.

Stream of Consciousness

A narrative style that mimics the flow of thoughts.