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

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."

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.

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."

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

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."

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?)."

A recurring theme, subject or idea. Ex. An author frequently touching on dark vs. light or good versus evil. A candle could represent a light in darkness, or storm clouds could represent temporary darkness.

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

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

A struggle between opposing forces. Ex. person against person, person against nature, person against self, person against society, person vs. technology, person vs. supernatural.

The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic. Ex. The _________ of the Lion King is that life is constantly changing, using the motif of the circle of life. One day you're born, then you're a child, then you fly the nest and become an adult, then you become a parent yourself, and the circle starts all over again.

The act of creating and developing a character. Ex. "Joe was motivated by money. He had no use for love or family."

A scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story. "As Keri cut up the tiny pieces of paper, she thought about being a child making making crafts with her mother."

Uncertainty or anxiety the reader feels about what is going to happen next in a story. Ex. In Toy Story 3 when Woody and his friends think they might die in an incinerator. Will they make it!?