Literary Terms and Concepts

Front

Fiction

Back

A literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact.

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events in a story, novel, or play.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which the story takes place.

Front

Characterization

Back

The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character in a literary work.

Front

Antagonist

Back

A character or force in conflict with the main character.

Front

Theme

Back

The central idea or message in a work of literature.

Front

Conflict

Back

A struggle between opposing forces, often the central problem in a story.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The series of events that lead to the climax of the story.

Front

Climax

Back

The most intense, exciting, or important point of the story.