Literary Terms and Concepts

Front

Setting

Back

Time and place of the story.

Front

How can setting affect the story?

Back

It can affect the story by changing the plot, conflict or how the characters act.

Front

Characterization

Back

The characters physical appearance; their speech, thoughts, actions about themselves and other characters; narrators direct comments about a character.

Front

Protagonist

Back

The hero of the story.

Front

Antagonist

Back

The person or force causing the problem for the protagonist.

Front

Initial incident

Back

Event that starts the action in the story.

Front

Rising action

Back

Events leading to the climax in the story.

Front

Climax

Back

Turning point in the story/most exciting part.

Front

Denouement

Back

Resolution of the story.

Front

Plot

Back

The action in the story.