Short Story Terminology

The sequence of events in a short story, usually divided into five parts.

• plot
• theme
• exposition
• flashback

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.W.5.3A

Introduces the setting, the characters and the basic situation.

• plot
• exposition
• rising action
• dialect

Tags

CCSS.W.5.3A

Introduces the conflict, or problem in the story

• universal theme
• falling action
• rising action
• climax

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.W.5.3A

The turning point of a story

• irony
• motivation
• universal theme
• climax

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

The part of the story when the conflict lessens.

• characterization
• falling action
• rising action
• irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

The story’s conclusion

• motivation
• exposition
• resolution
• plot

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.W.5.3E

The central/main message expressed in a story

• theme
• universal theme
• irony
• motivation

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

Recurring theme about life that is expressed in different cultures and time periods.

• theme
• characterization
• irony
• universal theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

The time and place of the story

• conflict
• setting
• irony
• exposition

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.W.5.9B

Problem in the story

• motivation
• conflict
• dialect
• irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2