Literary and Theatrical Terms

Setting

where and when the story takes place.

Plot

a series of connected and unrelated events during which some problem or conflict is resolved.

Climax

the point in the story where the protagonist confronts the antagonist.

Goal

what the protagonist pursues which drive the events in the story.

Conflict

the forces at play within a story: man vs man, man vs nature, man vs himself.

point of view

the perspective from which a story is told

motif

A recurring theme, subject or idea

theme

Central idea of a work of literature

symbol

A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.

imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

tone

Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character

mood

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

irony

the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

foreshadowing

the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot

style

the manner in which the author/director uses techniques of his/her genre, signature elements

flashback

a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story.

montage

a collection of images that summaries events over a period of time.

Mise-en-scene

refers to all elements of a movie scene that are organized, often by the director, to be filmed and that are later visible on screen.

set

the area the show/movie is taking.

props

items used in movies and TV shows to enhance visuals and make the story more intriguing.

costumes

The clothing worn by the actors who play the characters

makeup

Any of the cosmetics applied to a performer's skin to change or enhance their appearance.