Literary Terms/Vocabulary “My Favorite Chaperone”

The series of events in a story Plot The series of events in a story Event #1 Event #3 Event #2 And so on…

Exposition (Introduction) The beginning of the story where the setting, background, and characters are introduced. Exposition

Rising Action The events that move the story forward and create some kind of conflict. Rising Action

Struggles or problems between opposing forces in the story Conflict Struggles or problems between opposing forces in the story

The turning point in the story where the conflict is at its peak. Climax The turning point in the story where the conflict is at its peak. Climax

The events that start to wrap up the story. Falling Action The events that start to wrap up the story. Falling Action

The conflict is completely wrapped up and the story ends. Resolution The conflict is completely wrapped up and the story ends. Resolution

PLOT DIAGRAM Climax Rising Action Conflict Exposition Resolution Falling Action Exposition Resolution

What is the difference between falling action and resolution? What do we learn during the exposition? When is the conflict introduced in the story?

Characterization Characterization is the way an author develops the personality of a character.

Direct characterization tells the audience what the personality of the character is. Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.” Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect characterization shows things that reveal the personality of a character. showing the character's appearance displaying the character's actions revealing the character's thoughts letting the character speak getting the reactions of others

Readers sometimes must infer to gather indirect details about a character Example: A character smiles shakily and says, “That’s all right,” while turning away to hide a tear. What can we infer?

Summarization Retelling the main points, events, or ideas, while leaving out the less important details

Vocabulary!

Someone who sends out vehicles according to a schedule dispatcher Someone who sends out vehicles according to a schedule

scuffle A fight

sponsor Someone who supports someone else’s admission into a group

stun To shock someone

whimper A soft cry