1. English 11 Glossary of Terms

2. Plot: is the series of events that make up the story.
Initiating incident: the event that begins a conflict
Rising action: the series of events that lead up to the climax
Stages of plot

3. Falling action: the series of events that follow the climax
Climax: the major crisis in the story and usually it is a turning point for the protagonist. It is also the highest point of emotional intensity for the reader
Falling action: the series of events that follow the climax
Stages of plot

4. Indeterminate endings: the conflict is unresolved at the end
Denouement: The resolution of the conflict that occurs after the climax. Often things which were unclear earlier are explained.
Indeterminate endings: the conflict is unresolved at the end
Plot

5. Conflict: a struggle between opposing characters or forces, usually between the protagonist and someone or something else
Internal conflict: a struggle within a character over desires, ideas, or goals
Conflict

6. External conflict: a struggle between a character and his/her surroundings or between two characters. It can be physical, emotional, or psychological
Dilemma: a difficult choice between two equally unpleasant alternatives
Conflict

7. Foreshadowing: a hint of what is going to happen later in the story
Suspense: a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety felt by the reader over what will happen to the protagonist.
Foreshadowing: a hint of what is going to happen later in the story
Plot

8. Symbol: something that stands for, or represents something else
Symbol: something that stands for, or represents something else. Often it is a concrete object that represents an abstract idea
Motif: A recurring idea or theme (ex: love, war, evil, leadership)

9. Theme: the central idea (or message) of a story
Theme: the central idea (or message) of a story. It is usually implied rather than directly stated. It is expressed as a complete sentence.
Setting: the place and time in which a story occurs

10. Atmosphere: the pervading feeling created by a story (a.k.a. Mood)
Tone: the attitude the writer takes toward his/her subject, characters, or audience (ex: serious, reflective)

11. Dynamic character: one who undergoes a significant, lasting change, usually in her/her outlook
Static character: one who does not change throughout the course of the story
Character Types

12. Round character: a realistic character with several qualities/traits
Flat character: a limited character who has only one or two apparent traits
Character types

13. Stock/Stereotype character: a predictable, one-dimensional character who fits a set pattern of behaviour (ex: jock, nerd)
Character types

14. Character foil: a minor character whose situation or actions contrast with those of a major character. The contrast illuminates the main character
Narrator: one who tells the story

15. Protagonist: the main character
Antagonist: the major character or force in conflict with the protagonist

16. Point of View: the perspective from which a story is told
First person: the protagonist tells the story directly to the reader (“I”). The reader knows the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist only
Point of View

17. Limited omniscient: a narrator tells the story, and refers to characters as he, she, or by name (third person). It shows only what one character thinks and feels
Omniscient: third person narration, that shows the thoughts and feelings of several or all characters
Point of View

18. Objective: a narrator tells the story, revealing only what characters say or do. There is no insight into characters’ thoughts.
Point of View

19. Stream of Consciousness: a narrative that shows a character’s thoughts as they occur, without interpretation and possibly without conventional punctuation
Point of View

20. Irony: a device that reveals concealed or contradictory meanings
Dramatic Irony: occurs when what a character says or believes contrasts with what the reader knows to be true
Irony

21. Verbal irony: occurs when what is said contrasts with what is meant (ex: sarcasm)
Situational irony: occurs when what takes place contrasts with what is expected or what seems appropriate
Irony

22. Allegory: a story with a second distinct meaning, partially hidden behind its literal meaning (uses metaphor, personification)
Allusion: a reference to a person, place, or thing from literature, the bible, mythology or history
Miscellaneous terms

23. Satire: exposes the failings of individuals, institutions, or societies through ridicule or scorn