Literary Terms and Concepts

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Plot

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The sequence of events in a story, including the beginning, middle, and end.

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Exposition

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The introduction of background information, including setting, characters, and conflict.

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Inciting Incident

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The event that sets the main conflict into motion.

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Rising Action

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The series of events that build tension and lead up to the climax.

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Climax

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The most intense, exciting, or important moment of the story; the turning point.

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Falling Action

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The events after the climax that begin to resolve the conflict.

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Resolution

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The conclusion of the story, where conflicts are resolved.

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Denouement

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The final part of a story where everything is wrapped up.

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Freytag's Pyramid

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A diagram that represents the structure of a story (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

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Characterization

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The way an author presents and develops characters.