Elements of a Story Flashcards

Flashcards covering key elements of a story including characters, characterization types, setting, plot structures, conflict categories, theme, and points of view based on the lecture transcript.

What is the definition of a story?

A story is a sequence of events that involves characters, a setting, and a plot.

What are the main elements of a story?

The main elements of a story are characters, setting, plot, conflict, theme, and Point of View (POV).

What are characters and what role do they play in a story?

Characters are the people, animals, or creatures who take part in a story. They perform actions, make decisions, and help move the story forward.

What is the difference between a Main Character (Protagonist) and Supporting Characters?

The Main Character (Protagonist) is the central character in the story, while Supporting Characters help develop the story.

What is Direct Characterization?

Direct Characterization happens when the author, narrator, or another character explicitly states a character's traits outright using explicit adjectives.

What is Indirect Characterization?

Indirect Characterization happens when the author reveals a character's personality through their thoughts, actions, speech, and impact on others.

What does the S.T.E.A.L. method stand for in Indirect Characterization?

The S.T.E.A.L. method includes Speech (what they say and how they say it), Thoughts (private inner monologue), Effect on others (how other characters react/behave around them), and Actions (how they behave under pressure).

What does the setting of a story refer to?

Setting refers to the time and place where a story happens, helping readers imagine the world of the story.

What is a plot and what are its basic parts?

Plot is the sequence of events that make up a story from beginning to end. Its basic parts are Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Denouement.

How does a Linear plot structure work?

Events move strictly forward in time following a clear cause-and-effect chain (A leads to B, which leads to C), beginning with setup (exposition), moving to conflict, building to climax, and ending with resolution.

What is a Flashback (Non-Linear) plot structure?

A structure where the main timeline is repeatedly interrupted by scenes from the past to reveal crucial background details.

What is a Parallel plot structure?

A structure where the writer weaves together two or more independent storylines that happen at the same time, which usually cross paths or collide at the climax.

What is an Episodic plot structure?

A story broken into a series of self-contained chapters or 'episodes' linked by a common character, theme, or setting, where individual chapters can often stand alone.

What does 'In Medias Res' mean and how does this plot structure function?

'In Medias Res' means 'Into the Midst of Things.' Instead of starting with background info, it drops the reader directly into the middle of a high-stakes, chaotic action scene or critical crisis.

What is conflict in a story?

Conflict is the problem or challenge faced by the characters, which creates tension and keeps the story interesting.

What are the two main types of conflict and their specific categories?

Internal Conflict consists of Man VS Himself. External Conflict includes Man VS Man, Man VS Nature, Man VS Supernatural, and Man VS Society.

What is theme in a story?

Theme is the main message, lesson, or idea of a story—what the author wants readers to learn or think about.

What is Point of View (POV)?

Point of View is the perspective or 'lens' through which the story is told. It establishes who the narrator is and dictates how much information, emotion, and internal thought the reader accesses.

What is First-Person POV?

First-Person POV uses pronouns like 'I' and 'We,' where the narrator is a character inside the story experiencing events firsthand.

What is Second-Person POV?

Second-Person POV uses the pronoun 'You,' where the narrator speaks directly to the reader, turning the reader into the main character.

What is Third-Person Limited POV?

Third-Person Limited POV uses pronouns like 'He,' 'She,' and 'They,' where the narrator is an outside observer who tracks the internal experiences of just one single character at a time.

What is Third-Person Omniscient POV?

Third-Person Omniscient POV uses pronouns like 'He,' 'She,' and 'They,' where the narrator is an all-knowing, God-like storyteller standing completely outside the narrative.