literature prose fiction terms

Novel

An extended work of prose fiction (50,000+ words) featuring complex plots, multiple developed characters, detailed settings, and broad themes.

Short Story

A brief work of prose fiction (typically under 10,000 words) focused on a single incident or theme

Novella

A work between short story and novel length (20,000-50,000 words), allowing focused but detailed development

Cultural Setting

The social environment and customs shaping the world of the story (values, beliefs, norms, politics, religion).

Physical Setting

The tangible environment (geography, weather, time period, architecture, sensory details)

Story

The full chronological sequence of events ("what happened").

Plot

How events are arranged for effect ("how it's told").

Narrative

The telling of the story—includes voice, structure, and style.

Exposition

Opening section introducing setting, characters, and background.

Problem/Conflict

Central struggle driving the story (external or internal).

Rising Action

Series of events building tension toward the climax.

Climax

Turning point of highest tension where conflict peaks.

Denouement/Resolution

Conclusion where conflicts are resolved and new balance established.

Subplot

Secondary storyline complementing or contrasting the main plot.

First-Person

Story told using "I" from a character's viewpoint.

Third-Person Omniscient

All-knowing narrator outside the story.

Third-Person Limited

Narrator outside the story but limited to one character's perspective.

Reliable Narrator

One whose account aligns with story's truth.

Unreliable Narrator

One whose credibility is doubtful.

Indirect Speech

Narrator summarises a character's words (no direct quotes).

Interior Monologue

Direct presentation of a character's thoughts.

Free Indirect Speech

Blend of third-person narration and character's inner voice.

Stream of Consciousness

Continuous, unfiltered flow of thoughts and perceptions.

Protagonist

Main character driving the story's conflict or change.

Antagonist

Force opposing the protagonist (person, society, nature, self).

Secondary Character

Supporting figure, often flat or archetypal.

Foil

Character contrasting the protagonist to highlight their traits.

Characterization

The author's methods for revealing character traits.

Direct Characterization

Narrator explicitly states traits.

Indirect Characterisation

Traits shown through behaviour or dialogue.

Narrative Tension

Sense of uncertainty or anticipation that keeps readers engaged.

Suspense

Feeling of anxious curiosity about upcoming events.

Pace

Speed of story progression, shaped by scene length and detail

Narrative Structure

Framework of how a story is arranged.

Prolepsis (Flash Forward)

Jump ahead in time to future events.

Flashback

Interruption to reveal past events.

Linear Structure

Chronological sequence from beginning to end.

Circular Structure

Story begins and ends similarly, creating closure or repetition.