Literary Terms for 8th grade ELA Bulldogs

The main character of a story

• antagonist

• protagonist

• static character

• dynamic character

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

The force that opposes the main character

• static character

• protagonist

• antagonist

• dynamic character

Includes character and background information

• setting

• characterization

• exposition

• conflict

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.W.8.3A

The time, place and mood of a story

• setting

• tone

• exposition

• characterization

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.4

The high point or the turning point of a story

• denouement

• rising action

• crisis

• climax

This action leads to the ending of the story

• resolution

• denouement

• falling action

• climax

Suspense builds here as action continues

• falling action

• rising action

• complications

• crises

The place where the conflict is resolved and loose ends are tied up

• falling action

• exposition

• resolution

• crisis

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

A character struggling against an outside force

• internal conflict

• crisis

• person v. self

• external conflict

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

A character struggling against themselves

• person v society

• external conflict

• internal conflict

• person v person

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2