Video Notes: Protagonist/Antagonist, Characterization, Foreshadowing, Plot Pyramid, Conflict, Theme, Mood

25 Q&A flashcards covering protagonist/antagonist, characterization, foreshadowing, plot pyramid, conflict, theme, and mood based on the lecture notes.

What is the protagonist?

The main character in a story with whom the reader shares emotions and feelings; the conflict centers around this character.

What is the antagonist?

The character or force in the story that works against the protagonist.

Name a method of indirect characterization.

Appearance (the character’s looks or dress used to reveal traits without stating them directly).

How can appearance reveal a character in indirect characterization?

By showing the character’s looks, clothing, or grooming to hint at personality or background.

How can what a character says reveal traits in indirect characterization?

The character’s dialogue, including word choice and what it reveals about beliefs, attitudes, or feelings.

How can what others say about a character reveal traits in indirect characterization?

Other characters’ remarks, opinions, or gossip reflecting the subject’s personality or reputation.

How can a character’s actions reveal traits in indirect characterization?

The character’s behavior and decisions under various circumstances that show personality.

What is direct characterization?

The author explicitly tells the reader what to think about the character (e.g., “Homer Simpson is very smart.”).

What is a round character?

A fully developed character with many traits and complexities.

What is a dynamic character?

A character who encounters conflict and is changed by it.

What is a flat character?

A minor character who does not develop or reveal many traits.

What is foreshadowing?

Hints or clues that help predict future events or the story’s resolution.

What is Plot Pyramid?

The organized pattern of events that make up a story, including Exposition, Initial Incident, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Name the parts of Plot Pyramid in order.

Exposition, Initial Incident, Rising Action, Climax (Turning Point), Falling Action, Resolution.

What is Exposition?

Introduction to characters, setting, and basic situation; note that conflict is not introduced in the exposition.

What is the Initial Incident?

The beginning of the major conflict—the first bad thing that happens to the protagonist; links to the climax.

What is Rising Action?

The part where the conflict increases, creating suspense, interest, and tension; problems worsen.

What is the Climax/Turning Point?

The highest point of conflict; the reader can predict the ending; links to the initial incident.

What is Falling Action?

The stage when the conflict is decreasing for the protagonist.

What is Resolution?

All the loose ends are tied up; the solution to the central conflict.

What is internal conflict?

The conflict within the character’s mind.

What is external conflict?

The conflict outside the character, such as Man vs. Man, Man vs. Society, or Man vs. Nature.

Name some external conflict types listed.

Man vs. Man; Man vs. Society; Man vs. Nature (e.g., tornado).

What is Theme?

The insight into life that an author wants you to take from a story (e.g., Slow and steady wins the race).

What is Mood?

The feeling created in the reader by a literary work, suggested by word choice, events, or the physical setting.