Literary Terms

Front

What is the event which puts the protagonist into conflict?

Back

Inciting incident: The event that sets the main character on a path of conflict.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Front

What is the struggle between opposing forces called?

Back

Conflict: The central struggle that drives the narrative.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Front

Who is a character opposed to or who struggles with the main character?

Back

Antagonist: The character that creates obstacles for the protagonist.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is the final resolution of a story called?

Back

Denouement: The conclusion where all conflicts are resolved.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Front

What term describes why someone does what they do?

Back

Motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is the term for the main character in a story?

Back

Protagonist: The central character around whom the story revolves.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is the term for a character that contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist?

Back

Foil: A character that highlights the traits of another character.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is the sequence of events that lead to the climax of a story?

Back

Rising action: The series of events that build tension leading to the climax.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

What is the term for the turning point in a story?

Back

Climax: The moment of greatest tension in the narrative.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is the term for the events that follow the climax and lead to the resolution?

Back

Falling action: The events that occur after the climax as the story moves towards resolution.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9