Literary Elements

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Climax

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The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. Example: 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.

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Suspense

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

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Narration

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The telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourse. Example: "Looking back on a childhood filled with events and memories, I find it rather difficult to pick one that leaves me with the fabled 'warm and fuzzy feelings.'"

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Flashback

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

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Antagonist

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

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Protagonist

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The main character in a story, often a hero or heroine. Example: Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series.

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Theme

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The central idea or message in a work of literature. Example: The theme of friendship in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

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Mood

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The emotional atmosphere of a piece of writing; how the reader feels. Example: The mood of a horror story is often suspenseful and eerie.

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Motif

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A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story. Example: The motif of darkness in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

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Foreshadowing

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A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. Example: In Romeo and Juliet, the prologue foreshadows the tragic ending.