English literary terms

Narrator

The person who tells a story.

First-person narrator

A narrator who uses first-person pronouns, 'I' or 'we'.

First-person observer

If the story is told from the periphery of the action.

First-person participant

If the narrator is in the midst of the action.

Unreliable narrator

A narrator whose credibility is compromised.

Third-person narrator

A narrator who is not a character.

Omniscient

A third-person narrator who knows everything about the characters.

Limited omniscience

A narrator who can tell the thoughts of only one character.

Interior monologue

When the reader witnesses the story through the character’s mind.

Protagonist

The main character of a story.

Dynamic characters

Characters who change throughout the story.

Static characters

Characters who do not change.

Antagonist

A character who opposes or impedes the protagonist.

Sympathetic character

Characters who appeal to us and have our good wishes.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character to highlight qualities.

In media res

When a story’s narration begins in the middle of the plot arc.

Flashbacks

A jump back in the narration to an earlier point in the story arc.

Equilibrium

A state of relative order and calm in the protagonist’s life.

Complication

A disruption to the equilibrium that introduces conflict.

Conflict

A struggle between the protagonist and some opposing force.

Rising action

Events that raise the tension in the conflict.

Climax

The point where the conflict is decided.

Resolution/denouement

The establishment of a new equilibrium after the climax.

Reversal

A reversal of fortunes for the protagonist.

Epiphany

A sudden, dramatic personal insight that comes to the protagonist.

Atmosphere/mood

The emotional state the writer wants the reader to experience.

Projection

When the writer projects a character's emotions onto the setting.

Enveloping action

When the setting alludes to broader societal events.

Symbol

An object, action, or event that represents something else.

Literary symbol

An object with symbolic meaning limited to a specific work.

Allegory

A narrative where characters or objects correspond directly with what they represent.

Motif

An image, object, character, or theme repeated throughout a work.

Theme

What the story is about on an abstract level.

Meaning

What a story has to say about its themes.

Interpretation

Your statement of what you think the story means.