Literary Elements

Front

Exposition

Back

The beginning of a story where the author introduces the characters, setting (time and place), and the main conflict or problem.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The series of events that build up tension and excitement, leading to the most important moment in the story.

Front

Climax

Back

The most exciting or important part of the story — the “turning point” when the main problem is faced.

Front

Falling Action

Back

The events that happen right after the climax, showing how things start to settle down.

Front

Resolution

Back

The ending of the story where the conflict is solved and the loose ends are tied up.

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

When the author gives hints or clues about something that will happen later in the story.

Front

Flashback

Back

A scene in the story that takes the reader back to something that happened earlier in time.

Front

Mood

Back

The overall feeling or atmosphere a story creates for the reader (for example: scary, happy, or tense).

Front

Tone

Back

The author’s attitude toward the subject or characters, shown through their writing style (for example: serious, playful, or sarcastic).

Front

Point of View

Back

The perspective from which a story is told (like first person 'I,' third person 'he/she,' or omniscient 'all-knowing narrator').