Prose Fiction Key Terms

When the reader possesses information which some or all of the characters in a narrative are not aware of.

• dramatic irony

• foreshadowing

• withholding information

• flashforward

A narrative told by a narrator who may or may not be involved with the events of the story, and using he/she/they.

• first person

• second person

• third person

The writer giving hints of what will happen in the future. Often this is only made clear to the reader once they have finished reading the narrative.

• flashforward

• foreshadowing

• flashback

• dramatic irony

The start of a narrative, where the writer introduces the characters and the setting in which the story will take place.

• denouement

• cyclical structure

• exposition

• climax

Where the end of a narrative is linked to the beginning. This can be a return to the same setting or similar events.

• circular structure

• closure

• setting

• denouement

A narrative told by a character closely involved with the story, and using ‘I…’ For example, ‘I woke up this morning, and I looked at my phone.’

• first person

• second person

• third person

In a narrative, when a writer jumps back in time to describe past events. They are used to show how past events have affected the present.

• flashforward

• dramatic irony

• flashback

• narrative

The main character in a narrative.

• antagonist

• protagonist

• side kick

• anti-hero

The end of a story. It comes from the French word meaning ‘to untie’ – literally, when the problems in the narrative have been sorted out.

• denuement / resolution

• denouemant / resolution

• denoement / resolution

• denouement / resolution

In a narrative, when a writer jumps forward in time to describe future events. They are used to show the consequences of the present.

• circular structure

• flashforward

• forwardflash

• flashback