plot lit terms quiz

exposition

part of the story that gives crucial background info to the audience; the intro scene of Goldilocks and the three bears introduces us to the main characters

rising action

a series of events in a story that lead to suspense; Cassie gets accepted to the Naturals, she begins working on cold cases, she starts working on a live case

conflict

a struggle between 2 opposed forces; final fight between Harry and Voldemort

setting

where a story takes place; the setting of Harry Potter is Hogwarts

theme

an idea or POV expanded upon in a story; the theme of The Naturals is mystery

epiphany

a profound moment of revelation that changes a character’s POV; Scrooge has an epiphany and decides to be kinder

climax

the most intense point in the story; the climax of The Naturals is when Cassie meets Agent Locke

denouement

the point in a story when conflict is resolved; the Capulets and Montagues ending their feud after the deaths of Romeo and Juliet

foreshadowing

when an author provides hints about future events; Juliet saying her wedding bed is likely to be her grave

flashback

a scene that takes place before the story begins and interrupts the chronological order; the scene in How the Grinch Stole Xmas where we see his childhood self

in media res

when an author starts in the middle of the story; the Emperor’s New Groove

deus ex machina

an unexpected power/event saving a seemingly hopeless situation; Fawkes tears’ healing Harry’s wounds