Fiction Terms Study Guide: English 7 BRMS

Vocabulary flashcards covering literary devices, character types, conflict types, and plot structure elements from the Stargirl fiction terms study guide.

direct characterization

The author tells you the traits

Indirect characterization

The author shows you the traits: what a character SAYS & THINKS, their EFFECTS on others, how they ACT, & what they LOOKS LIKE

foreshadowing

Clues or hints the author gives about what will happen later in the plot

flashback

a transition in a story to an earlier time, that interrupts the normal chronological order of events.

symbol

something used to represent something else (e.g., American flag–something physical–is a symbol for freedom–something abstract)

static character

a literary or dramatic character who doesn't change much throughout a story, remaining the same from the beginning to the end.

dynamic character

a literary or dramatic character who undergoes a significant internal change over the course of a story.

trait

a characteristic

point of view

the perspective from which a story is told

1st-person

point of view in which a character in a story tells the story from their own perspective. Uses “I,” “me,” “we”

dialogue

conversation/ talking among characters; uses “ ”

central conflict

The problem in a story; a struggle between opposing forces

internal conflict

The type of struggle that occurs within a character.

external conflict

The type of struggle a character has with an outside force.

setting

Where and when the story takes place

theme

A central message or insight into life revealed through a work of art. The message the author is trying to convey (the lesson to be learned). There is no single correct statement of this.

protagonist

The main character

antagonist

The character who is in opposition to the main character

Individual vs. Self

The type of conflict that occurs when the main character has a struggle within him or herself and must grow, change or make a decision.

Individual vs. Individual

The type of conflict that occurs when the main character has a conflict with another character.

Individual vs. Nature

The type of conflict that occurs when the main character must try to survive against natural forces.

Individual vs. Supernatural

The type of conflict that occurs when a main character has a conflict with something magical.

Individual vs. Society/Group

The type of conflict that occurs when a main character has a conflict with government or other entity in which individuals are acting together.

Individual vs. Technology

The type of conflict that occurs when a main character has a conflict with a machine, robot, computer, etc…

plot

The sequence of events in a work of literature (what happens in the story)

exposition

The start of the story, the situation before the action begins; introduces characters, setting and the beginnings of the plot

initiating event

The event that introduces conflict, “kicks off” the plot

rising action

Series of events and conflicts in the story that builds suspense toward the climax

climax

The high point of interest/suspense (either mentally or in action); main conflict is usually resolved.

falling action

Directly follows the climax, begins to tie up loose ends of the plot

resolution

The tying together of all the threads/author is wrapping things up, the end of a work of fiction