English Terms Short Story

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces, can be external (Man vs Man, Man vs Environment) or internal (Man vs Himself).

Man vs Man

A type of external conflict involving struggles between two or more people.

Man vs Environment

A type of external conflict where the protagonist faces challenges from nature, fate, society, or other external factors.

Man vs Himself

An internal conflict where a character grapples with their own emotions, morality, or decisions.

Protagonist

The main character around whom the story revolves.

Antagonist

Forces or characters that oppose the protagonist.

Suspense

The quality in a story that keeps readers engaged and wanting to find out what happens next.

Mystery

An element in a story that creates a craving for explanation.

Dilemma

A situation in a story that presents a difficult choice or decision.

Surprise

A plot twist that deviates significantly from the expected outcome.

Flat Character

A character with one or two traits, often a minor role that does not evolve.

Round Character

A complex character with multiple traits and dimensions.

Stock Character

A stereotyped character that embodies particular traits commonly associated with their role.

Static Character

A character that does not change throughout the story.

Developing Character

A character that undergoes change, either small or significant, over the course of the story.

Omniscient POV

A narrative perspective in which the narrator knows all thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Limited Omniscient

A narrative perspective that focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.

First Person

A narrative perspective where the narrator uses 'I', 'me', and 'my.'

Objective POV

A narrative perspective where the narrator does not share any character's thoughts or feelings.

Symbol

An object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

Irony of Situation

When the outcome of a situation is vastly different from what was expected.

Introduction/Exposition

The beginning of the story where characters, setting, and conflict are introduced.

Climax

The point in the story where the conflict reaches its highest intensity and is resolved.

Surprise Ending

An unexpected twist at the end of the story that changes the reader's understanding.

Unfinished Ending

An ending that leaves the story unresolved, often a cliffhanger.

Natural Ending

An ending where the story's plot is neatly tied up without surprises.

Complication or Complicating Incident

An event that introduces new problems or obstacles into the narrative.