1.02 ELA Lesson - Literary Elements Interact

Literary Element

A piece of a story, such as character, conflict, mood, or setting, that contributes to meaning and purpose.

Protagonist

The main character in a story who faces a conflict.

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict.

Unreliable Narrator

A narrator whose credibility is compromised due to reasons like deceit, mental instability, or lack of information.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the story.

Static Character

A character who does not change or grow throughout the story.

Setting

The time and place where a story’s events occur.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external.

Climax

The turning point in the plot where the conflict reaches its peak.

Falling Action

The events that follow the climax and lead to the resolution.

Resolution

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved and the plot comes to a close.

Unity of Effect

A principle by Edgar Allan Poe that emphasizes every element in a story should contribute to the overall impact.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere of a story created by the author’s word choice and setting.

Conflict vs. Self

A type of conflict where a character struggles with their own desires, beliefs, or emotions.

Macabre

A style of writing that emphasizes the unpleasant aspects of death and decay.