1. Elements of Literature
Terms

2. Characters Characters are the people, animals, or objects in a story
A story can have many characters, or just a few

3. Main characters Protagonist Antagonist MAIN CHARACTER of the story
Often, hero or character the audience is supposed to feel most sympathetic for
Antagonist
Someone or something that creates conflict for the main character

4. Setting
The setting is the time and place of the story

5. Mood The general feeling (or atmosphere) of the story
The feeling the story creates within the reader

6. Theme
Central idea (or message) of the story

7. Conflict
The Primary struggle between the main character or characters and an opposing force.
Sets the plot in motion.
Gives the story it’s energy
Internal Conflict
A struggle between a character and him/herself
External Conflict
A struggle between a character and an outside force.
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Supernatural
Man vs. Society

8. Complications
Small problems in addition to the main conflict that add interest to the story
Typically cause the conflict to grow larger.

9. Plot
A series of related events that present, develop, and resolve a conflict.

10. Stages of Plot Exposition (Introduction) Rising Action Climax
Falling Action
Resolution (aka Denouement)

11. Plot Diagram

12. Introduction/Exposition
Introduces the main character, setting, and (maybe) necessary background information.
Typically found in the first few paragraphs of a short story, or first chapters of a novel.

13. Initiating Event Introduces a conflict or problem
First event that sets the plot events (rising action) into motion

14. Rising Action/Complications
The plot develops as additional conflicts arise that cause more
problems and complications for the character.

15. Climax
Climax
The most exciting point in the story, when the conflict is decided
AKA “the turning point”
It is the scene when the outcome of the conflict is still undecided, but you know it is about to be revealed (suspenseful)

16. Resolution Resolution
The conflict is resolved, the outcome is now known, and the story is brought to a close.
Also know as “Denouement”

17. Chronological Order
Most plots follow a linear progression (straight line) from beginning to end,
following a sequence of cause and effect
events.