AP Literature Unit 1: Short Fiction I

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Character

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A person, animal, or entity in a literary work who drives the action and experiences the events of the narrative.

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Characterization

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The process by which an author reveals a character's personality, traits, and motivations through description, dialogue, actions, and thoughts.

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Direct Characterization

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When the author explicitly tells the reader about a character's traits (e.g., 'Sarah was stubborn and impatient').

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Indirect Characterization

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When the author reveals character traits through what the character says, does, thinks, or how others react to them.

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Character Perspective

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How a character understands their circumstances, shaped by their background, personality, biases, and relationships.

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Character Motives

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The reasons behind a character's actions, decisions, or behaviors; what drives them to act.

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Protagonist

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The main character in a narrative, often the central figure around whom the plot revolves.

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Antagonist

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The character, force, or entity that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict.

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Setting

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The time and place in which the events of a narrative occur, including physical location, historical period, social/cultural environment, and atmosphere.

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Physical Setting

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The actual location where events take place (house, city, country, etc.).