Literary Terms and Concepts

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Protagonist

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The main character in the text.

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Antagonist

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A character or force in conflict with the main character.

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Exposition

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Background information presented in a literary work.

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Rising Action

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A related series of incidents in a literary plot that build toward the point of greatest interest.

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Climax

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The point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point.

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Falling Action

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The part of a literary plot that occurs after the climax has been reached and the conflict has been resolved.

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Resolution

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The end of the story where the conflict is resolved.

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Internal Conflict

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A struggle happening within a character's mind. Character vs. self.

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External Conflict

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A struggle between a character and an outside force.

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Theme

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The statement about life that the author wants to convey to the reader.