Literary Elements

The time and place of a story. Ex. "We were at the beach on a summer day."

• Motif

• Suspense

• Setting

• Narration

A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter. Ex. horror, fantasy, biography, etc.

• Theme

• Genre

• Narration

• Suspense

Feeling or atmosphere that a write creates for the reader. Ex. "The heavy black clouds became thick over the city and we all felt a sense of dread."

• Mood

• Antagonist

• Character

• Plot

The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. Ex. When Little Red Riding Hood comments on the wolf's nose, eyes, ears, and teeth, and he responds by swallowing her in one big gulp.

• Flashbacks

• Narration

• Theme

• Climax

Sequence of events in a story. Ex. "First, Jack went out to sell the cow, and then he bought some magic beans. After that, Jack's mom got mad and threw the beans out the window."

• Motif

• Protagonist

• Setting

• Plot

A person (or animal) in a story. Ex. Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort, Ron Weasley, etc.

• Mood

• Antagonist

• Character

• Conflict

The telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourse. Ex. "Looking back on a childhood filled with events and memories, I find it rather difficult to pick on that leaves me with the fabled "warm and fuzzy feelings."

• Suspense

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Narration

The use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot. Ex. "Our hero is in a Wild West saloon. The hero walks in and orders a drink. Over in the corner, the bad guy watches him drink. As the hero leaves, the bad guy spits on the floor (what do you think will happen?)."

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Climax

• Narration

A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. Ex. Draco Malfoy, the Joker, the White Witch, Captain Hook.

• Mood

• Protagonist

• Motif

• Antagonist

Main character of a story. Ex. Simba, Elsa, Ariel (Little Mermaid), Cinderella, Pocahontas, Wreck it Ralph.

• Setting

• Protagonist

• Motif

• Plot