Literary Elements

Front

When the author reveals what a character is like through their thoughts/actions/words or through the thoughts and words of others. Example: She often donates her time and money to those who are less fortunate.

Back

indirect characterization

Front

What happens at the beginning of the story, revealing the characters, setting, background, main conflict, and point of view of the story?

Back

exposition

Front

A character that fits into one of the different known types of characters (e.g., hero, criminal, lover, magician, explorer, wise, creator, innocent, caregiver, joker, average, ruler).

Back

archetypal character

Front

When minor conflicts occur before the main conflict in the story, building up the suspense.

Back

rising action

Front

A character that is fully developed by the author, important, main characters.

Back

round character

Front

The point in the plot where the tension and conflict reach its peak, the middle of the plot mountain.

Back

climax

Front

a character that is not fully developed by the author, not important, minor characters

Back

flat character

Front

the point in the plot where the conflict begins to work out and the tension is less

Back

falling action

Front

A character that changes by the end of the story (e.g., the rainbow fish)

Back

dynamic character

Front

When the conflict is completely resolved, at the end of the story

Back

resolution