Christmas Carol

Exposition

The introduction of the story, including the setting (city, calendar year, and the time of year) and background information.

Climax

The turning point for Scrooge, highlighted by the Ghost of Christmas Future pointing at the gravestone.

Rising Action

The events that lead up to the climax, like Scrooge's visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

Falling Action

Events that happen after the climax, showing Scrooge's transformation as he does nice things for people.

Resolution

The conclusion of the story where Marley provides a clear resolution to the actions after the play ends.

Characterization

The process used by authors to develop and highlight the traits of characters in a story.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; important in understanding characters and themes in 'A Christmas Carol'.

Jacob Marley

Scrooge’s deceased business partner, depicted with chains representing his greed in life.

Ghost of Christmas Past

Represents memory and nostalgia, showing Scrooge his younger self and past decisions.

Ghost of Christmas Present

Symbolizes generosity and the importance of community and family, highlighted by his abundance and warmth.

Ghost of Christmas Future

Represents the unknown; his frightening appearance serves as a warning of Scrooge's potential fate.

Scrooge

The main character who undergoes a significant transformation from miser to benevolent figure.

Tiny Tim

Bob Cratchit's ill son, symbolizing innocence and the impact of poverty.

Protagonist

The main character in a story, in this case, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Antagonist

The character in conflict with the protagonist; varies but often represents Scrooge's own flaws.

Conflict

The struggle faced by characters; can be internal (within Scrooge) or external (between Scrooge and others).

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant change, like Scrooge.

Static Character

A character who does not change throughout the story, such as Jacob Marley.

Setting

The time and place where a story unfolds, influencing its mood and the actions of the characters.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere of the story; how it makes the reader feel.

Theme

The underlying message or main idea of a story; in 'A Christmas Carol,' themes include redemption and the spirit of Christmas.

Dialogue

The written conversational exchange between characters in a play or story.

Stage Directions

Instructions in the script that describe the movement, position, or tone of the actors, helping to convey the story on stage.

Debtor's Prison

A type of prison for individuals unable to pay their debts, significant in Dickens' life and reflected in his works.