Prose Fiction and Literary Elements

Flashcards reviewing prose definitions, types, character classifications, settings, point of view, theme, symbolism, style, and tone based on lecture slides.

What is prose?

PROSE is the ordinary form of written language.

What are the two main kinds of prose?

Fiction and Non-Fiction.

What are examples of fiction prose?

Short Stories, Legend, Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Novels, Fables, and Myth.

What are examples of non-fiction prose?

Report, Personal Narrative, Memoirs, Letter, Article, Journal, and Biographies.

What are the six elements of prose fiction?

1. Plot
2. Character and characterization
3. Setting
4. Point of View
5. Theme
6. Style and tone

What is the definition of plot in prose fiction?

Plot is the action or sequence of events in a story, which is based on a key conflict.

What is the difference between a character and characterization?

A character is a person or being in a story that performs the action of the plot, while characterization is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of the character.

What is direct characterization?

Direct characterization occurs when the writer states facts about the character directly through narration, rather than leaving it to the reader's imagination (e.g., "She is very kind.").

What is indirect characterization?

Indirect characterization occurs when the writer reveals a character's personality through actions, speech, and appearance (e.g., "Every Christmas, she buys gifts for the orphanage down the street.").

What is the difference between a protagonist and an antagonist?

A protagonist is the main character central to the action of the story, whereas an antagonist is the person or thing working against the protagonist, or hero.

What is the distinction between static characters and dynamic characters?

Static characters stay the same throughout the story, while dynamic characters change and learn something during the story.

What is the distinction between flat characters and round characters?

Flat characters have very few personality traits, do not change throughout the story, and can sometimes be symbols or stereotypes. Round characters are convincing and true to life, possessing many different personality traits and usually undergoing a change.

What is a stock character?

A stock character is a recognizable, flat fictional person who relies on common cultural stereotypes or specific genre traits for quick audience understanding.

What are common examples of stock characters?

● Damsel in distress: A vulnerable person who needs saving by the hero. ● The Jock: An athletic bully focused entirely on sports and social status. ● Mad scientist: An eccentric genius creating dangerous or unstable inventions. ● Sidekick: A loyal, often humorous companion to the main hero.

What is a foil character and what is its purpose?

A foil character highlights the specific traits, values, or flaws of another character—usually the protagonist—through sharp contrast. Instead of driving the plot or opposing the hero, a foil acts as a mirror to show who the main character is by comparison.

What is the origin of the literary term "foil"?

The term comes from an old jewelry trick where jewelers place a thin sheet of metallic foil behind a gemstone to make it sparkle more brightly.

What is setting in fiction?

Setting is the time and place in which the action occurs, providing the timeframe and location as well as historical background context that provides additional plot information.

What are the three W's of setting used in an Elements of Fiction Hand?

When = the timeframe, Where = place or location, and Why = the context in which the story is set.

What defines First Person POV?

The narrator is one of the characters in the story using pronouns "I" and "we". The reader is inside that character's head and only knows what they know and feel.

What defines Second Person POV?

The narrator talks directly to the reader employing the pronoun "you", making the reader become the main character.

What is the difference between Third Person Limited and Third Person Omniscient POV?

In Third Person Limited, the narrator follows only one character and enters their thoughts. In Third Person Omniscient, the narrator knows and enters the thoughts and feelings of every character.

What is theme in literature?

Theme is a main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.

What is symbolism in prose writing?

Symbolism is an image/object in a story that is used repeatedly and carries a deeper meaning (e.g., water = purity, black clouds = evil approaching).

How is a writer's style created in fiction?

In fiction writing, the writer's style is created by the choice of literary devices used to create the story, such as diction, syntax/sentence structure, imagery, symbolism, allegory, personification, and other figurative language.

What is tone in literature?

Tone refers to the author's mood and manner of expression in a work of literature.