Story Elements: Literary Terms

The sequence of events in a story.  This involves both characters and a central 

              conflict/problem.

• rising action

• conflict

• plot

• climax

The start of the plot, so it introduces setting, main characters, and the initial situation faced by those 

                         characters.

• exposition

• tone

• setting

• theme

Part where the plot develops and conflict is introduced

• antagonist

• falling action

• point of view

• rising action

 The high point of interest or suspense...or...the turning point of the plot.

• climax

• resolution

• theme

• character

The characters deal with the fallout of the climax and the various conflicts are being 

                             resolved

• conflict

• protagonist

• tone

• falling action

 The outcome of the story/plot.

• character

• protagonist

• resolution

• point of view

The main character (but there may be more than one)

• antagonist

• protagonist

• point of view

• tone

 A character or force in conflict with the protagonist.

• exposition

• setting

• antagonist

• the mean character

The time and place the plot occurs in.

• setting

• point of view

• falling action

• tone

 The central message, concern, or purpose in a literary work.

• conflict

• theme

• plot

• setting