Literary Elements

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Plot

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The sequence of events in a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

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Exposition

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The introduction of background information, such as setting, characters, and initial conflict, in a story.

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Setting

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The time and place in which the story takes place.

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Characters

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The individuals who participate in the action of a literary work.

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Protagonist

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The main character in a story, often a hero or the character the audience is meant to root for.

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Antagonist

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A character or force in conflict with the protagonist, often creating the main conflict in the story.

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Conflict

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A struggle between opposing forces, which is the driving force of a story.

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Internal Conflict

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A psychological struggle within the mind of a character.

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External Conflict

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A struggle between a character and an outside force, such as nature, another character, or society.

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Rising Action

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The series of events that lead to the climax of the story, building tension and developing the conflict.