Literary Elements

The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. Example: When Little Red Riding Hood comments on the wolf's nose, eyes, ears, and teeth, and he responds by swallowing her in one big gulp.

Uncertainty or anxiety the reader feels about what is going to happen next in a story. Example: In Toy Story 3 when Woody and his friends think they might die in an incinerator.

The telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourse. Example: "Looking back on a childhood filled with events and memories, I find it rather difficult to pick one that leaves me with the fabled 'warm and fuzzy feelings.'"

A scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story. Example: "As Keri cut up the tiny pieces of paper, she thought about being a child making crafts with her mother."

A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. Example: Draco Malfoy, the Joker, the White Witch, Captain Hook.

The main character in a story, often a hero or heroine. Example: Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series.

The central idea or message in a work of literature. Example: The theme of friendship in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

The emotional atmosphere of a piece of writing; how the reader feels. Example: The mood of a horror story is often suspenseful and eerie.

A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Example: The motif of darkness in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the prologue foreshadows the tragic ending.