English shakespeare

The Fool

A common character type in Shakespeare's plays who is funny and irreverent, and whose use of humour allows him to speak truths where others cannot.

Time

As part of setting, this refers to when a story takes place, either at a real point in history or the present, or in an imagined version of the past, present or future.

Setting

The location and time frame in which the action of a story takes place.

Plot

The sequence of main events in a story.

5-Act structure

When a play is organised into five main acts, which are structured to show the rising and falling tensions in the play, as well as the climax.

Exposition

The part in a narrative in which the setting and plot are explained.

Rising action

The part in a narrative in which tensions and/or conflicts are intensified.

Climax

The part in a narrative in which tensions and/or conflicts reach their highest point.

Falling action

The part in a narrative in which tensions and/or conflicts begin to be resolved.

Denouement

The part in a narrative in which tensions and/or conflicts are resolved, and a new sense of order is established.

Genre

A method of categorising texts based on the perception of conventions and/or commonalities.

The Globe Theatre

A round, open-air theatre in which Shakespeare's plays were performed.

Hero/Heroine

A main character in a story whose special abilities, characteristics and achievements make him/her appear noble and ideal.