Storytellng Final

Theme

An abstract idea central to the literary work’s design. A work’s structure and imagery appear to support

Plot

The arrangement of events with cause/effect relationships. Defines WHY + HOW

Conflict

Defines a struggle between a character (protagonist) and opposing force

• drives the plot, tension, and character development

Climax

The most intense, exciting, or pivotal moment in a story - the peak of conflict

Resolution

The final part of a story where conflicts are resolved + characters’ fates are revealed

Showing

Engage readers by presenting scenes w/ action, dialogue, thoughts and sensory details. Mimics real-life experiences

Telling

Provides direct info through summary or explanation

Free Indirect Style

Engages audience to experience character’s perspective without quotation or narration

• blend of showing and telling

Iceberg Theory

The deepest meaning in a story should lie beneath the surface, where only the superficial is revealed

Narrative Distance

External narrator

Narrator + a little character

Character only

Character’s inner thoughts

Story

Raw events that happen in chronological order

• objective facts, no structure

• Defines WHAT

Focalization

• zero: narrator knows more than the character (omniscient narrator)

• Internal: narrator knows as much as focal character

• external: narrator knows less than the character

POV

The lens a story is told in, determined by who’s narrating and how much info the reader receives

Character

Person, animal, object presented as the subject in a narrative

Symbolism

When an object, person, or event to represent a bigger idea

Fabula Time

It is the timeline of events as they actually happened, before an author rearranges them.

• Linear structure

Flat Character

Simple, one-dimensional, embodies 1 trait

Round Character

Complex, multi-dimensional, feels more relatable

Static Character

No growth or change recurring

• ideal for heroic character

Dynamic Character

Undergoes a change through a life event

• flaws make them interesting

Direct Characterization

Direct statements are made about a character’s personality

• clearly telling + describing what the character is like

Indirect Characterization

recalls characterization through behavior, allowing the audience to piece it together

• imagination and immersion

Narrative

Perspective, a personal voice, an aesthetic narrative and even an emotional dimension