Literary Terms Study: The Godfather
The development of characters in a narrative a dynamic character undergoes a fundamental change a static character remains the same
characterization
Static Dynamic
A film portrayal of a highly individualized character
character sketch
The main or leading character in a narrative
protagonist
The character who opposed the protagonist
antagonist
Protagonist Antagonist
The principal protagonist of a film who lacks the attributes or characteristics of a typical hero but with whom the audience identifies
anti-hero
The basic struggle within the plot of a narrative Man vs. man Man vs. self Man vs. society Man vs. nature Man vs. the supernatural or unknown
conflict
Qualities in a narrative that evoke feelings of pity or compassion
pathos
Film that aims to teach or provide moral instruction
didactic
The plan or storyline of any narrative
Plot
A minor or secondary plot or a narrative
subplot
The twisting or foiling of a narrative expectation
irony
“That’s my family, Kay, that’s not me.”
A hint or indication of things yet to occur in the plot
foreshadowing
Bonasera Michael “I'm with you now. I'm with you...”
Important background information for the events of a story which set up what’s at stake for the characters
exposition
The turning point of a narrative, often determining the fate of the protagonist
climax
A weak or disappointing narrative conclusion
anticlimax
The final resolution or outcome of the plot
denouement
The where and when of the narrative
setting
The effects in a narrative that produce a specific mood or impression
atmosphere
Vito Corleone’s Office The Wedding Reception
A style of art developed principally in the twentieth century consisting of incongruous or jarring imagery
surrealism
Salvator Dali: Persistence of Memory
The opposite of a sequel, depicts action that happened before the original film
prequel
A film which continues the action and characters of an earlier film
sequel
The Godfather Part II Prequel Sequel