Short Story Elements

Front

What is rising action?

Back

Where the conflict of the story grows and where the events increasingly build up in excitement.

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

When the author (or another character) describes/reveals a character through the use of adjectives, phrases, etc.

Front

What is the resolution of a story?

Back

The end of a story where everything is resolved.

Front

What is falling action?

Back

The part after the climax where events are winding down.

Front

What is the theme of a story?

Back

The message of the story.

Front

What is the exposition in a story?

Back

The beginning of the story where we learn about setting and some characters.

Front

What is a climax?

Back

The most exciting part of a story; the turning point.

Front

What is a protagonist?

Back

The main character in a story, often facing a conflict.

Front

What is an antagonist?

Back

A character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Front

What is a setting?

Back

The time and place in which a story occurs.