ELA TERMINOLOGY - LITERARY

The main or central character of a work of literatuare; he or she experiences a conflict in which he or she must conquer.

• protagonist

• antagonist

• central character

• narrator

In a work of literature, this character is the opposing force of the protagonist; he or she works against finding the solution to the solution to the protagonist's conflict.

• protagonist

• antagonist

• main character

• point of view

A conventional story structure that contains parts/events that are arranged in a specific way to make up a story.

• point of view

• exposition

• turning point

• plot

This is where readers are introduced to the main character(s), setting, and conflict in a narrative.

• climax

• theme

• exposition

• background knowledge

This is the point in the narrative where the conflict is introduced. When the conflict enters the story, the exposition ends allowing the rising action to begin.

• perspective

• falling action

• inciting incident

• flashback

This is the turning point of the story; it is the moment when the momentum or feeling of the narrative shifts.

• resolution

• foreshadowing

• exposition

• climax

Abstract qualities and values from literal details (evidence) from the text in regards to the character(s) in the passage.

• character traits

• characterization

• conflict

• perspective

The final moments of the story.

• expostition

• rising action

• falling action

• resolution

A device that allows the writer to present events that happened prior to the time of the current events.

• remembering

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• prior knowledge

This device gives an advnace hint of what is to come later in the story.

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• prior knowledge

• conflict