Literary Terms and Devices

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character in a story who encounters a conflict.

Front

Antagonist

Back

The force against the protagonist; it can be a person or an external element like weather or the government.

Front

Setting

Back

The location and time period where the story takes place.

Front

Theme

Back

The author’s overall message in the story; the reader’s 'take away'.

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events in a story.

Front

Exposition

Back

The beginning of the story where the reader is introduced to the characters, the setting, and the initial conflict.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The series of events leading up to the climax.

Front

Climax

Back

The turning point of the story when a 'shift' in the plot occurs.

Front

Falling Action

Back

The series of events that take place after the turning point and lead to the conclusion of the story.

Front

Figurative Language

Back

The author’s use of words and language in a creative way for a dramatic effect.