Short Story Literary Terms

Front

Static Character

Back

A character who does not change in the story; no change in personality, maturity, or belief system.

Front

Dynamic Character

Back

A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the story.

Front

Flat Character

Back

A character with a simple personality; often one-dimensional and not fully developed.

Front

Round Character

Back

A character with a complex personality; fully developed and realistic.

Front

Conflict

Back

A struggle between opposing forces in a story, which drives the plot.

Front

Man vs. Man

Back

An external conflict where one character opposes another character.

Front

Man vs. Nature

Back

An external conflict where a character faces challenges from natural forces.

Front

Man vs. Society

Back

An external conflict where a character stands against societal norms or laws.

Front

Man vs. Self

Back

An internal conflict where a character struggles with their own thoughts, feelings, or beliefs.

Front

Setting

Back

The time, place, and mood of a story.