| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Author's Purpose | the reason(s) for writing a particular work [inform, entertain, persuade, reflect] |
| Plot | the sequence of events in a literary work |
| Exposition | introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation |
| Central Conflict | the problem that drives the action of the work |
| Rising Action | action that intensifies as it leads to the climax |
| Climax | turning point of the plot, when the conflict reaches the height of its interest or suspense |
| Falling Action | events that take place after the plot's climax |
| Resolution | where the conflict has ended/been resolved |
| Characterization | the way(s) in which a writer reveals information about a character |
| Direct Characterization | writer makes direct statements about the character's appearance, personality, and actions |
| Indirect Characterization | writer suggests information about a character through speech, thoughts, their effect on others, actions, and looks (appearance) |
| Point of View (P.O.V.) | the perspective from which a literary work is told |
| First Person P.O.V. | narrator is part of the action; uses pronouns "I, Me , & My" |
| Third Person P.O.V. | narrative told by someone who is not part of the action |
| Third Person P.O.V. Limited | the narrator only reveals his or her own thoughts and feelings |
| Third Person P.O.V. Omniscient | the narrator is all knowing, able to reveal the thoughts and feelings of all characters in the story |
| Major Character | individuals who dominate a narrative |
| Minor Character | individual who enrich a narrative, but are not the focus of attention |
| Dynamic Character | one who changes over the course of a story |
| Static Character | one who does not change throughout the story |
| Round Character | one with many aspects to his or her personality |
| Flat Character | one who is defined by only one or few qualities |
| Conflict | a struggle between opposing forces in a narrative; four types [character v. character, v. self, v. nature, v. society] |
| Internal Conflict | occurs within a character who faces opposing ideas, feelings, or choices [character v. self] |
| External Conflict | occurs between characters or a larger force, such as society or nature |
| Theme | central message or insight conveyed in a work of literature |
| Stated Theme | central message/insight stated directly in the text |
| Implied Theme | central message/insight is not stated but suggested by details in the work |
Combine with other sets
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace