Lit Terms

Exposition

The beginning of the plot where the author introduces the characters, setting, narrator, and point of view.

Rising Action

The second part of a plot diagram where events begin to build suspense and create conflict.

Climax

The third part of the plot diagram; the turning point of the story.

Falling Action

The fourth part of the plot diagram with no new events; occurs after the crisis and before resolution.

Resolution/Denouement

The fifth part of the plot diagram where conflict is resolved and the story concludes.

Foreshadowing

A hint of things to come.

Internal Conflict

A character struggles with his or her own opposing desires, beliefs, or needs (man vs. self).

External Conflict

A character struggles against an outside force (man vs. man, nature, society).

Mood/Atmosphere

The feeling the reader gets from a piece of literature.

Point of View

The perspective from which the story is told.

First Person POV

The narrator is a character who participates in the action of the story and uses 'I' and 'me' to describe themselves.

Third Person Omniscient POV

The narrator knows everything (all-knowing), including the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

Third Person Limited POV

The narrator sees through one character’s eyes and reveals that character’s feelings and thoughts.

Symbolism

A symbol is an object, person, place, etc. that means more than what it actually is.

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.