1. SUPER-SIMPLE LITERARY ELEMENTS
The Basics You Need to Know

2. Literary Elements
Literary elements are the different pieces and techniques used by authors to create a story.
Literary – Related to books and stories
Element – A small “building block” of something bigger

3. Plot
The events of the story

4. EXPOSITION
The parts of the book that tell characters, setting, and give information.

5. Conflict
The main problem or concern that needs to be solved

6. Protagonist
The main character
Usually (but not always) a “good guy.”

7. Antagonist The thing that is going against the protagonist.
Could be a person, thing, or force

8. Rising Action
The build-up of excitement, tension, or conflict as the story goes on.

9. Climax
When the action hits its highest point and we can see how it will end.

10. Falling Action
After the climax, as things get solved in the conflict

11. Resolution
Where we leave our characters at the end

12. Setting
The location(s) where the story takes place

13. Theme
Message about life that is shown by the plot