antagonist
a character, or a group of characters, which stands in opposition to the protagonist, which is the main character
archetype
a literary device in which a character is created based on a set of qualities or traits that are specific and identifiable for readers
round character
well-developed and complex figures in a story
flat character
does not change during a story. Also, he or she usually only reveals one or two personality traits
climax
the particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point
complication
a situation or detail of a character that complicates the main thread of a plot
conflict
a major element of narrative or dramatic structure that creates challenges in a story by adding uncertainty as to whether the goal will be achieved
crisis
the decisive moment, or turning point, at which the rising action of the play is reversed to falling action
exposition
a literary device that is designed to convey important information, within a short story or novel, to the reader
falling action
it wraps up the narrative, resolves its loose ends, and leads toward the closure
flashback
a device used in stories, films, television episodes, etc., that interrupts the flow of the plot to “show” readers/viewers an event
foil
a literary piece depends on its use as well as the protagonist or other character whose foil it is
foreshadowing
a literary technique used by authors to hint at or suggest future events or outcomes in a story
frame
a literary technique that serves as a companion piece to a story within a story
humor
a literary tool that makes audiences laugh, or that intends to induce amusement or laughter
situational irony
a form of irony in which something takes place that is different or the opposite of what is expected to happen
melodrama
a subgenre of drama, which is an exaggerated form of this genre
narrative
the basis of storytelling; oral or written accounts that connect related events or incidents for the purpose of entertaining, educating, communicating, etc.
naturalism
a type of extreme realism - environment determines and governs the development of human character
point of view
utilized as a literary device to indicate the angle or perspective from which a story is told