ENGL264 – Introduction to Prose: Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terms and concepts from the ENGL264 lecture on prose, its types, structural elements, and narrative techniques.

Prose

Text written in ordinary, non-metrical language; ‘words in their best order’ (Coleridge).

Nonfictional Prose

Fact-based prose such as biographies and essays, though it may contain occasional fictional elements.

Fictional Prose

Imaginative prose (e.g., novels, short stories) that can invent, exaggerate, or distort events to educate or entertain.

Heroic Prose

Written or recited narratives (legends, tales) that use the formulas of oral tradition.

Prose Poetry

Prose that employs poetic devices—emotional effects, heightened imagery—without verse structure.

Short Story

Fictional prose of 1,000–20,000 words, readable in one sitting, with limited characters, setting, and a single plot line.

Novella

Fictional prose of roughly 20,000–50,000 words; longer than a short story, with a more complex plot and cast.

Novel

Extended fictional prose (50,000+ words) featuring multiple plots, developed characters, and realistic settings.

Plot

The ordered arrangement of events and actions in a narrative to create emotional and artistic effects.

Exposition

Plot stage that introduces characters, background, and setting.

Rising Action

Plot stage where complications develop and the central conflict intensifies.

Climax

Turning point where the main character makes a decisive choice and tension peaks.

Falling Action

Events following the climax that move toward resolution.

Resolution (Denouement)

Final outcome that ties up plot strands and conflicts.

Suspense

Reader’s feeling of excitement or tension as plot questions remain unanswered.

Foreshadowing

Clues or hints about events that will occur later in the story.

Flashback

Interruption of the chronological sequence to present earlier events.

Surprise Ending

Unexpected conclusion that catches the reader off guard.

Simple Plot

Chronological, tightly knit sequence of events focused on one main character or adventure.

Complex Plot

Non-linear or multi-layered sequence, often with subplots that interweave with the main story.

Theme

Central idea, vision of life, or message about human experience conveyed by a literary work.

Characterization

Author’s method of creating and revealing characters through actions, dialogue, others’ comments, and authorial opinion.

Flat (Static) Character

One-dimensional character who remains unchanged throughout the story.

Round (Dynamic) Character

Fully developed character who grows, deteriorates, or changes in response to events.

Stereotype Character

Figure defined by oversimplified traits or labels associated with a group, used for special effect.

Stock Character

Recognizable type (often professional) embodying expected traits, frequently for satire.

Setting

Time, place, weather, social conditions, and atmosphere in which a story occurs.

Point of View

Narrative perspective that determines how readers receive characters, actions, and events.

First-Person Point of View

Narration using “I” or “we,” offering the storyteller’s direct experiences and limitations.

Third-Person Limited

Narrator uses “he/she” and filters events through one character’s perceptions only.

Third-Person Omniscient

All-knowing narrator who can enter any character’s thoughts and reveal information unknown to characters.

Innocent Eye (Naive Narrator)

Story told through a child or naive observer whose understanding differs from an adult’s.

Stream of Consciousness

Narrative mode presenting a character’s uninterrupted flow of thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Multiple Point of View

Story conveyed through several narrators or voices, giving varied perspectives on events.

Style

Author’s distinctive use of language—diction, syntax, dialogue, tone—to shape meaning and effect.

Language (in Style)

Selective grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation choices that carry a story’s communication.

Atmosphere

Overall mood or feeling evoked by a literary work through descriptive language and setting.

Tone

Author’s attitude toward subject or characters, conveyed through word choice and narrative stance.

Local Colour

Descriptive detail emphasizing speech, dress, customs, and manners of a particular place to enhance setting realism.

Subplot

Secondary, self-contained story integrated into the main plot to add depth and complexity.