The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty - Elements of Fiction Review

Flashcards covering the plot elements, setting, point of view, and conflicts in Liam O'Flaherty's 'The Sniper'.

Exposition (The Sniper)

Introduces the dark setting of the Irish Civil War in Dublin and the protagonist, a Republican Sniper, on a rooftop as night falls.

Complicating/Inciting Incident (The Sniper)

The Republican Sniper's decision to light a cigarette, which exposes his position to an enemy sniper across the street.

Crisis (The Sniper)

The civil war conflict between a Republican Sniper and a Free State Sniper, leading to the discovery of the enemy sniper being the protagonist's brother.

Climax (The Sniper)

The Republican Sniper tricks the enemy sniper into exposing himself, then kills him with a revolver.

Falling Action (The Sniper)

The protagonist experiences a moment of sudden remorse, throwing down his gun in disgust, and then goes into the street to identify who he killed.

Denouement (Resolution) (The Sniper)

The protagonist (the sniper) discovers he killed his own brother.

Time (Setting of The Sniper)

June 1922, during the early months of the Irish Civil War, at night.

Place (Setting of The Sniper)

Dublin, Ireland, near O'Connell Bridge.

Atmosphere (Setting of The Sniper)

Tense, suspenseful, darkness, sounds of war.

Point of View (The Sniper)

Third Person Limited, focusing on the Republican Sniper's thoughts, feelings, and experiences without knowing those of other characters.

Main Conflict (The Sniper)

Man vs. Man, specifically the conflict between the Republican Sniper and the Free State Sniper.

Suspense (The Sniper)

Created through a third-person limited perspective, revealing the sniper's internal thoughts and the external danger of war, culminating in the shocking dramatic ending.