Plot Elements

A character or a force in conflict with the main character

• protagonist

• antagonist

A person or animal in a story

• character

• complication

• theme

• mood

The author's special way of explaining the people in the story-telling us about their personalities and motives

• character

• protagonist

• antagonist

• characterization

The turning point or most exciting part in a story

• exposition

• climax

• rising action

• resolution

The events in a story that make matters harder to untangle or settle

• theme

• complication

• falling action

• exposition

The end of a story; brings closure

• exposition

• rising action

• climax

• conclusion

the struggle or problem in a story between two sources

• resolution

• conflict

• character

• falling action

The lesson an author is trying to teach

• moral

• falling action

• characterization

• complication

The events in a story

• protagonist

• conflict

• plot

• antagonist

The part of the story(usually the beginning) which explains the background and setting of the story; the characters are often introduced

• exposition

• falling action

• climax

• resolution