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Elements of Fiction Vocabulary

Terms in this set (38)

novel
a long story that uses the elements of fiction
short story
a brief story that uses the elements of fiction
title
reflects some significant aspect of the story
writer's voice
author's writing and style is based upon personal experiences
diction
an author's choice of words, including dialect (way of speaking) and dialogue
fiction
kind of writing where the characters/setting/plot are not real
nonfiction
kind of writing where the characters/setting/plot are real
autobiography
nonfiction genre of writing done by someone about him/herself, such as a memoir
biography
nonfiction genre of writing done by someone about something else
genre
categories of literature (i.e. historical, fantasy, horror, adventure, etc.)
setting
where and when the story transpires
characterization
an author acquaints the reader with the characters by describing physical traits, personality, speech or actions, thoughts, and feelings
main character
primary
minor character
secondary
dynamic
Character experiences changes throughout the story as a result of events (cause/effects).
static
character does not experience changes and remains the same
direct characterization
telling the reader directly what the character's personality is like; the reader does not have to infer or decide.
indirect characterization
the reader has to infer or use judgement to decide what a character is like
protagonist
character(s) who is viewed in a positive way (hero, unsung hero)
antagonist
character(s) who opposes or antagonizes the protagonist (villain)
foil
any character(s) whose situation or actions parallel and construct any other character's reactions, illuminating flaws
plot
a series of related events where each detail is a link in a chain of events which produces story sequencing. The events often follow a pattern: a situation is exposed; a conflict arises, events lead to a climax, and the situation is resolved.
subplot
a series of events that usually involves secondary characters that parallel the main story line, but joins together at the climax
parts of plot:
exposition-conflict-climax-falling action-resolution (denomount)
exposition
background information about setting and characters presented in the beginning of a story
conflict
a struggle between between opposing forces or characters; an internal or external problem faced by the character(s)
person vs. person (external)
verbal or physical confrontation between two or more characters.
person vs. nature
a confrontation between a character and a force of nature or animal that involves a struggle to survive
person vs. society
character(s) challenges an idea or value held by a community or society; usually involves some form of protest
person vs. him/herself
character(s) struggles with him/herself to make a decision, creating a character change
rising action
the gradual accumulation of conflicts that build upon each other towards the climax
climax
the point of greatest intensity, suspense, or complication in a story; the turning point, when one side of the conflict wins the struggle, or a character experiences a major change. When the plot and subplot are joined together.
cliff hanger
When the story ends at the climax; story continues in a sequel
falling action
Events that happen after the climax leading to the resolution
resolution
The events following the climax; the writer ties up loose ends and suggests long-term results; the resolution may be implied
mood
the atmosphere of a literary work created by setting, description, dialogue, action, language, etc.; described using adjectives and nouns
tone
how the author reveals his or her attitude toward the subject, situation, and characters (positive or negative).
theme
a central idea generated by the writer's experiences and explored in a literary work; the message the reader understands through the writing that relates to personal experience. Universal themes in English 9 are coming of age, man's inhumanity, ad archetypes of a hero
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