Elements of Literature Definitions

Define Conflict

• A struggle between two forces

• The author wants you to enjoy what you’re reading

• The character who gets in the way of the protagonist

• Action or state of being

External Conflict

• Between the character and an outside force

• Within the character

• Words which describe a character

• The mood and tone

Internal Conflict

• Within the character

• Between the character and an outside force

• When a scene takes place before the main plot of the story

• The character is battling a force of nature

Character vs. Character

• One character has a problem with another character

• The character is battling a force of nature like weather or a disease

• The character has a problem with the laws or beliefs of their government or community

• The character is struggling with feelings or conflicting beliefs

Character vs. Nature

• One character has a problem with another character

• The character is battling a force of nature like weather or a disease

• The character has a problem with the laws or beliefs of their government or community

• The character is struggling with feelings or conflicting beliefs

Character vs. Society

• One character has a problem with another character

• The character is battling a force of nature like weather or a disease

• The character has a problem with the laws or beliefs of their government or community

• The character is struggling with feelings or conflicting beliefs

Character vs. Self

• One character has a problem with another character

• The character is battling a force of nature like weather or a disease

• The character has a problem with the laws or beliefs of their government or community

• The character is struggling with feelings or conflicting beliefs

Characters

• People, animals, creatures, or objects which play an active role in a story

• A struggle between two forces

• When a scene takes place before the main plot of the story

• The events of the story

Protagonist

• The main character the reader follows

• A simple character with few traits

• Introduces the characters and setting

• A turning point in the story

Antagonist

• The character who gets in the way of the protagonist

• The main character the reader follows

• Characters start resolving conflict

• Action or state of being