Literary Terms Flashcards

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Narrative

Back

A story that tells about events, often with characters, a setting, and a plot.

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Exposition

Back

The beginning of a story where the writer gives background information, introduces characters, and sets the scene.

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Narrative Arc

Back

The shape of the story – how it begins, builds up, reaches a high point (climax), and then ends.

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Structure

Back

The way the parts of a story are organised (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

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Characterisation

Back

The way a writer shows what a character is like through actions, thoughts, speech, and description.

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Dialogue

Back

The words that characters speak to each other in a story.

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Action

Back

Events or things that happen in the story, often making it exciting.

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Description

Back

Words the writer uses to show what a person, place, or thing looks like, sounds like, or feels like.

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Tension

Back

A feeling of worry, excitement, or suspense in the reader about what will happen next.

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Climax

Back

The most exciting part of the story, the height of tension.