1. Literary Devices Grade Eight Review

2. Short Story A short story is a narrative which: Focuses on a single incident. Focuses on a single incident. Is limited to one specific setting (setting usually stays the same throughout). Is limited to one specific setting (setting usually stays the same throughout). Focuses on a limited number of key characters (one or two). Focuses on a limited number of key characters (one or two).

3. Plot Arrangement of actions and events in a story. It is a series of incidents that produce a dramatic story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Arrangement of actions and events in a story. It is a series of incidents that produce a dramatic story with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

4. Parts of the Plot - 1 EXPOSITION - the main character and his/her situation is introduced, including the central conflict.

5. Parts of the Plot - 2 CONFLICT - a problem or struggle that triggers the action.

6. Parts of the Plot - 3 RISING ACTION - a series of conflicts or struggles that build a story toward a climax, leading to

7. Parts of the Plot - 4 The CLIMAX - a high point of suspense, such as a startling revelation, a sudden insight, the turning point.

8. Parts of the Plot - 5 FALLING ACTION – events “slow down.” The narrative reached its climax and is now moving towards resolution.

9. Parts of the Plot - 6 The RESOLUTION - the conflict is resolved in some way.

10. Setting The environment or surrounding circumstances in which the story takes place. Setting is an important element in creating the mood. The environment or surrounding circumstances in which the story takes place. Setting is an important element in creating the mood.

11. Conflict The force that moves the plot along and the struggles in which the characters are involved. There are five basic types of conflict: The force that moves the plot along and the struggles in which the characters are involved. There are five basic types of conflict: Person vs. Person Person vs. Society Person vs. Self Person vs. Nature Person vs. Fate (God)

12. Theme The central idea about life that emerges from a piece of literature. The central idea about life that emerges from a piece of literature.

13. Atmosphere The overall emotional impression of a story. The author creates an atmosphere, or mood, by developing a strong sense of place and time The overall emotional impression of a story. The author creates an atmosphere, or mood, by developing a strong sense of place and time

14. Point of View The viewpoint from which the author tells the story. (Usually first or third person). The viewpoint from which the author tells the story. (Usually first or third person).

15. Characterization/ Character Development Method used by the author to reveal or describe characters and their various personalities. Also, how characters change and develop in the story. Method used by the author to reveal or describe characters and their various personalities. Also, how characters change and develop in the story.

16. Characterization/ Character Development The character is usually revealed to the reader through the following: The character is usually revealed to the reader through the following: 1. What the character says. 2. What the character does. 3. What other characters say about him/her. 4. Description.

17. Protagonist The main character or hero in a story, novel, or play. The main character or hero in a story, novel, or play.

18. Antagonist The character who struggles or fights against the protagonist. The character who struggles or fights against the protagonist.

19. Foreshadowing Clues and hints of what is to come later in the story. Clues and hints of what is to come later in the story.

20. Flashback A return to an earlier time (in a story) for the purpose of expanding on or explaining something in the present. A return to an earlier time (in a story) for the purpose of expanding on or explaining something in the present.

21. Foil A character who serves as a contrast or challenge to another (usually the main) character. The purpose of the foil character is to emphasize the traits of the main character by comparison or contrast. A character who serves as a contrast or challenge to another (usually the main) character. The purpose of the foil character is to emphasize the traits of the main character by comparison or contrast.

22. Imagery The words or phrases a writer selects to create a certain picture in the reader’s mind. The words or phrases a writer selects to create a certain picture in the reader’s mind.

23. Narrator The person who is telling the story (also referred to as “voice”). The person who is telling the story (also referred to as “voice”).

24. Symbol A person, place, thing or an event used to represent something else, usually larger and more important than the symbol itself. A person, place, thing or an event used to represent something else, usually larger and more important than the symbol itself.