Elements of Fiction and Literary Devices

Main Conflict

Primary struggle or problem in a story.

Internal Conflict

Struggle occurring within a character's mind.

External Conflict

Struggle between a character and outside forces.

Types of Conflict

Different categories of struggles in narratives.

Individual vs. Individual

Conflict between characters in a story.

Individual vs. Society

Character's struggle against societal norms.

Individual vs. Nature

Character faces challenges from natural forces.

Individual vs. Supernatural

Conflict with mystical or otherworldly entities.

Individual vs. Technology

Character struggles against machines or systems.

Individual vs. Self

Character's internal struggle with personal issues.

Setting

Time, place, and duration of the story.

Plot

Sequence of events in a narrative.

Exposition

Introduction of characters and setting.

Initiating Event

Event that triggers the main conflict.

Rising Action

Events leading up to the climax.

Climax

Peak tension before conflict resolution.

Falling Action

Events following the climax that lead to resolution.

Resolution

Conclusion that provides closure to the story.

Subplot

Secondary plot that supports the main story.

Character

Entity participating in the story's action.

Protagonist

Main character driving the story forward.

Antagonist

Character opposing the protagonist's goals.

Static Character

Character that does not change throughout the story.

Dynamic Character

Character that evolves due to story events.

Characterization

Author's method of developing characters.

Direct Characterization

Author explicitly describes a character's traits.

Indirect Characterization

Character traits revealed through actions and dialogue.

Theme

Central message or insight of a story.

Point of View (POV)

Narrative perspective from which the story is told.

First Person POV

Narration from a character's perspective using 'I'.

Third Person Limited POV

Narration revealing thoughts of one character.

Third Person Omniscient POV

Narration knowing all characters' thoughts and feelings.

Dialogue

Character speech within the narrative.

Narration

Narrator's description and storytelling.

Tone

Author's attitude toward the subject matter.

Mood

Emotional atmosphere experienced by the reader.

Connotation

Emotional association of a word beyond its definition.

Denotation

Literal dictionary definition of a word.

Irony

Contrast between expectation and reality.

Situational Irony

Outcome opposite of what was expected.

Dramatic Irony

Audience knows something characters do not.

Verbal Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant.