English 8 – Lesson 2: Conflict, Flash Fiction, Characters, and Narrators

Vocabulary flashcards that define core literary terms and concepts discussed in the lecture, including types of conflict, flash fiction features, character classifications, and narrator perspectives.

Internal Conflict

A struggle that occurs inside a character’s mind or heart, involving opposing desires, beliefs, or emotions.

External Conflict

A struggle between a character and an outside force such as another character, nature, or society.

Flash Fiction (Microfiction)

Very short stories, usually one page or less, meant to be read “in a flash” yet still deliver a complete narrative.

Brevity with Impact

The quality of flash fiction that uses few words to create strong emotions, insights, or surprise.

Modern Relevance of Flash Fiction

Its suitability for fast-paced lifestyles, social-media platforms, and crowded digital spaces.

Writer’s Purpose in Flash Fiction

Allows quick writing and reading, appeals to modern audiences, and builds storytelling skills efficiently.

Protagonist

The hero or main character who drives the story’s action (e.g., Darna).

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict (e.g., Valentina vs. Darna).

Complex Character

A character with multiple, sometimes conflicting traits; not purely good or bad (e.g., Aguiluz of Mulawin).

Dynamic Character

A character who changes or learns an important lesson during the story (e.g., Pedro Penduko becoming brave).

Simple Character

A minor character with few traits whose role is limited and consistent (e.g., Ding supporting Darna).

Static Character

A character whose personality and attitudes remain unchanged from beginning to end (e.g., Kuya Bodjie).

First-Person Narrator

Narration using “I,” giving the personal thoughts of a character inside the story.

Omniscient Narrator

An all-knowing third-person narrator who can reveal every character’s thoughts and feelings.

Dramatic (Objective) Narrator

A third-person narrator who reports only observable actions and dialogue, without inner thoughts.

Limited Omniscient Narrator

A third-person narrator who follows one character closely, sharing only that character’s inner thoughts and feelings.

Triggering Conflict

The idea that an internal struggle can set off an external one, and vice versa, linking both sides of conflict.

Sensory Local Details

Descriptive images (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) that evoke a vivid native African setting in flash fiction.