Literary Terms and Plot Structure

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events in the story or novel

Front

Subplot

Back

An additional storyline that is connected to the main plot

Front

Exposition

Back

The beginning of the story where the characters and setting are introduced

Front

Initiating Event

Back

An idea or action that introduces the conflict

Front

Rising Action

Back

Events that create suspense and lead to the climax

Front

Climax

Back

High point of the story where the outcome becomes clear

Front

Falling Action

Back

Events that follow the climax

Front

Resolution

Back

Final outcome is achieved; loose ends are tied up

Front

Suspense

Back

A feeling of tense excitement about how a story or novel will end

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

The use of clues to hint at coming events in a story