Literary Terms Part 1

Front

The series of related events that make up a story

Back

Plot

Front

The background of the story—explains who the characters are and what their conflict might be.

Back

Exposition

Front

Events that make it hard for the character to get what he or she wants

Back

Rising Actions

Front

When the outcome is decided one way or the other; sometimes it is the most emotional or suspenseful moment in the story.

Back

Climax

Front

Events after the climax that help lead to the resolution of the plot

Back

Falling Actions

Front

The part of the story when the characters’ problems are solved and the story ends (“the wrap up”)

Back

Resolution

Front

Smaller Plots that relate to the major story

Back

Subplot

Front

The time and place of a story or play

Back

Setting

Front

Any force (such as love or fear or jealousy) that drives the character to behave in a particular way.

Back

Character Motivation

Front

A character who changes in some important way as a result of what happens in the story.

Back

Dynamic Character