literary elements

Genre

A division or type of literature

Theme

a message or moral of the story that has to be inferred

Characterization

the act of creating and developing a character

Direct Characterization

is when the writer specifically states the characters’ traits or characteristics

Indirect Characterization

is when a writer depends on the reader to draw conclusions about the character’s traits

four methods of charecterization

physical appearance

speech and actions

inner thoughts and feelings

others’ reactions/opinions

Setting

the time and place of the action in a story; the backdrop Ex. ( the year ,dialects ,time of day ,clothing , weather customs modes of transportation)

rising action

events leading up to the climax

resolution

events that occur after the climax

Exposition

introduces characters, basic situation, and the setting.

inciting incident

what starts the conflict in the story

Falling Action

Effects and result of climax on characters Conflict is winding down

climax

the story's turning point.

interior/internal

takes place within the mind of a character as they struggle to make a decision, take action, or overcome a feeling (example - person vs. self)

exterior/external

a character struggles against an outside force (examples - person vs. person, person vs. weather, person vs. technology)

dramatic irony

irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

oxymoron

conjoining contradictory terms