Literary Elements and Terms

Front

Characters

Back

The people, animals, or creatures that are in stories, plays, and other texts.

Front

Setting

Back

When and where the story takes place.

Front

Plot

Back

The events and actions that happen in a story.

Front

Exposition

Back

Sets up the setting, characters, and conflict at the beginning of a story.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The problem begins to build and reveals a deeper understanding of characters.

Front

Climax

Back

A turning point in the story and the most intense part of the action.

Front

Falling Action

Back

Events that happen after the climax. The problem starts to be resolved, leading to the resolution.

Front

Resolution

Back

The final outcome of a story. How does the story end? How does the conflict get resolved?

Front

Theme

Back

A message or lesson about life revealed in the story.

Front

Personality Traits

Back

The feelings, thoughts, words, and actions of a character.