Macbeth

Tragedy

A hero's downfall that is inevitable or caused by his or her actions.

Freytag's Pyramid

A structure used to map out the plot of a story, consisting of Exposition, Inciting Event, Rising Action, Climax, Catastrophe, and Resolution.

Exposition

The introduction of background information, setting the scene and context for the story.

Inciting Event

The event that sets the main conflict of the story into motion.

Rising Action

The series of events that lead to the climax, including complications and crises.

Climax

The peak of the story's action where the main conflict reaches its highest intensity.

Catastrophe

The final resolution or the turning point that leads to the downfall of the main character.

Resolution

The conclusion of the story, where conflicts are resolved and the story comes to a close.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that the characters do not.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

Ambition

A strong desire to achieve something, often requiring determination and hard work.

Paradox

A statement that appears contradictory but may reveal a hidden truth.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work.

Pathetic Fallacy

The attribution of human emotions to nature or inanimate objects.

Hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a downfall.

Character Revelation

A moment in the story where a character's true nature or motivations are revealed.

Soliloquy

An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud, often in a play, regardless of any hearers.

Appearance vs. Reality

A theme exploring the difference between how things seem and how they really are.