Short Story Literary Elements

Vocabulary flashcards covering key literary elements commonly found in short stories.

Allegory

A literary device where elements convey a deeper symbolic meaning, often a moral or societal issue.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in close proximity.

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Characterization

The author's method of developing characters.

Climax

The high point or turning point of a narrative; greatest tension.

Conflict

The central struggle driving the plot.

Dialogue

Spoken conversation between characters.

Diction

The author's choice of words and language style.

Exposition

Introduction of main characters, setting, and initial situation.

Falling Action

Events after the climax showing consequences.

First Person Point of View

Narrative told by one character, using 'I' and 'me'.

Flashback

A scene from the past interrupting present action to provide background.

Foil

A character that contrasts with another, highlighting differences.

Foreshadowing

Hints suggesting future events in the story.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect; not meant literally.

Imagery

Vivid descriptions appealing to the senses.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Metaphor

Compares two unlike things by stating one is the other.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere of a story.

Narrator

The person or entity telling the story.

Onomatopoeia

A word imitating the sound it represents.

Personification

Attributing human qualities to non-human entities.

Plot Structure

The sequence of events in a story (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

Plot Twist

A narrative device revealing unexpected information or changing plot direction.

Point of View

The perspective from which the story is told.

Protagonist

The main character, facing the central conflict.

Resolution

The conclusion where conflicts are resolved.

Rising Action

Tensions and conflicts intensifying toward the climax.

Setting

The time and place of a story.

Simile

Compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Suspense

A technique creating anticipation, uncertainty, and tension.

Symbolism

Using objects, characters, or actions to represent deeper meanings.

Tension

Mental or emotional strain from conflicting or unresolved elements.

Theme

The central idea or message of a story.

Third Person Point of View

Narrative where the narrator is not a character, using 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'they'.

Tone

The author's attitude or emotion toward the subject.