plot
the series of related events that make up a story
theme
the message, moral, or central idea of the story
tone
the author’s attitude towards his/her subject
symbolism
an object that represents an idea other than itself
characterization
description of fictional characters to make them seem real
setting
the time and location of the story
point of view
the perspective from which the story is told
exposition
the beginning of the story where the reader is introduced to overall situation of the story
rising action
where tension is built through conflicts and suspense
internal conflict
a conflict between a character and themselves
external conflict
a conflict between a character and an external force
central conflict
the main problem that needs to be overcome
suspense
excitement/nervousness about future uncertainty
foreshadowing
device used to suggest or warn about future events, planted before
climax
the point of plot where all the tension is released
falling action
the events after the climax that bring everything back to the new normal
resolution
how a story is completed or resolved
direct characterization
when an author out-right tells the readers about a character
indirect characterization
when an author tells readers about a character through their actions
first person
the narrator tells the story from their own pov as a participant in the story, uses pronouns like “I”, “we”
third person limited
outside narrator knows thoughts and feelings of one character
third person omniscient
outside narrator knows thoughts and feelings of all characters
literal language/denotation
meant to be taken as written; the actual dictionary definition of a word
figurative language/connotation
meant to be interpreted on a deeper level; the feelings/emotions evoked by a word
allegory
A story in which each aspect of the story has a symbolic meaning outside the tale itself.
character foil
A character that by contrast highlights or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another character
irony
A contrast between expectation and reality
-situational
-dramatic
-verbal
dramatic irony
when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't
situational irony
irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
verbal irony
A figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant (sarcasm)
allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
metaphor
A comparison without using like or as (IMPLIED, INTERPRETATED)
simile
A comparison using "like" or "as" (
catharsis
the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.
epiphany
A moment of sudden revelation or insight
existential crisis
a moment at which an individual questions the very foundations of their life: whether this life has any meaning, purpose, or value
diction
word choice
syntax
sentence structure