Plot Terms and Definitions

Front

Antagonist

Back

A character or force in conflict with the main character.

Front

Climax

Back

The turning point in the story; the highest point of interest or suspense where the conflict can be predicted or is solved.

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events in a story, usually built around a conflict.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The stage of the plot when the conflict develops and often becomes more complicated.

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character in a story.

Front

Exposition

Back

The introduction of background information, setting, and characters in a story.

Front

Falling Action

Back

The events that follow the climax and lead to the resolution.

Front

Resolution

Back

The conclusion of the story where conflicts are resolved.

Front

Conflict

Back

A struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which a story takes place.