Literary Terms: Fiction

Front

Plot

Back

The events of a narrative (story, novel, poem...)

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Conflict

Back

The struggle between two opposing forces (problem, obstacle, setback, issue...). Two types - internal and external

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

Front

internal conflict

Back

A struggle between opposing needs, desires, or emotions within a single character; struggle between a character and himself/herself (ex: a difficult decision)

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

external conflict

Back

a problem or struggle between a character and someone or something outside of the character (ex: a fight, the natural world)

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Climax

Back

the turning point of the story; this involves the main characters of the narrative. This is often when the conflict is resolved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Exposition

Back

A narrative device often used at the beginning of a work that provides necessary background information about the characters and their circumstances.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Rising Action

Back

A series of events that builds from the conflict. It begins with the inciting force (introduction of the conflict) and ends with the climax.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Falling Action

Back

the part of a literary plot that occurs after the climax has been reached and the conflict has been resolved

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

Front

Resolution

Back

End of the story where loose ends are tied up

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.5.3

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5