Literary Terms and Concepts

Front

Conflict

Back

The problem or struggle in the story that triggers the action.

Front

Plot

Back

The events that occur in a story.

Front

Exposition

Back

The beginning of the story where the setting and characters are introduced.

Front

Rising Action

Back

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

Front

Climax

Back

The highest point of tension or suspense in a story, where the characters change or the problem is resolved.

Front

Falling Action

Back

The immediate action after the climax.

Front

Resolution

Back

The end of the story where all loose ends are tied up.

Front

Internal Conflict (Man vs. Himself)

Back

A character struggles with his or her own desires or beliefs.

Front

Man vs. Man

Back

A character has a problem with another character.

Front

Man vs. Nature

Back

A character struggles with a natural force or element of nature.