Elements of Literature

The beginning when the reader is introduced to characters and setting.

• Exposition

• Climax

• Rising Action

• Falling Action

Conflicts are introduced and developed on the way to the climax of the story. It may begin with an inciting incident or event.

• Exposition

• Falling Action

• Resolution

• Rising Action

Height of all action; the culmination of all the rising action.

• Falling Action

• Resolution

• Climax

• Rising Action

Winds down the tension leftover from the conflicts and climax. It's the fallout after the climax ends, but comes before everything is resolved. The reader usually finds out who won the conflict.

• Climax

• Falling Action

• Resolution

• Exposition

Usually a short and quick part of the story. Loose ends are tied up. May show what the future holds for the character.

• Foreshadowing

• Falling Action

• Resolution

• Setting

When the author hints at something to come later in the story.

• Foreshadowing

• Setting

• Climax

• Rising Action

Time and place. Can be more significant than just where the story takes place. It can contribute to plot development, mood, or even become symbolic.

• Symbolism

• Setting

• Foreshadowing

• Falling Action

When an object, person, place, etc. represents something larger than its original meaning.

• Symbolism

• Protagonist

• Resolution

• Conflict

The main character; the one the audience knows the most about.

• Antagonist

• Protagonist

• Conflict

Person or force that directly opposes the protagonist. This force stands in the way of the main character getting what they want.

• Protagonist

• Antagonist

• Conflict