Literary Terms and Story Elements

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Plot

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The sequence of events that make up a story.

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Exposition

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

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Initiating Event

Back

The incident that sets the main story in motion; it introduces the central conflict.

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Rising Action

Back

A series of events that build suspense and lead up to the climax.

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Climax

Back

The turning point and most intense moment; the main conflict reaches its peak.

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Falling Action

Back

Events that follow the climax and begin to resolve the conflict.

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Resolution

Back

The end of the story where loose ends are tied up and the conflict is resolved.

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Character

Back

A person, animal, or figure in a story.

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Static Character

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A character who does not change throughout the story.

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Dynamic Character

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A character who changes a lot throughout a story.