Literary Elements

The introductory part of a narrative that provides essential background information.

• Exposition

• Climax

• Resolution

• Conflict

The sequence of events that follow the climax and lead to the resolution.

• Exposition

• Rising Action

• Falling Action

• Denouement

The struggle or problem that drives the plot of a story.

• Conflict

• Resolution

• Setting

• Theme

The event or situation that introduces the central conflict of the narrative.

• Climax

• Resolution

• Inciting Incident

• Exposition

The highest point of tension in the narrative; the most critical moment.

• Climax

• Introduction

• Resolution

• Exposition

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

The sequence of events that make up a narrative.

• Plot

• Character

• Setting

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.3

When the sequence of events is interrupted to present an earlier event or memory.

• Flashback

• Foreshadowing

• Climax

• Exposition

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

The series of events that occur after the inciting incident and build the story's conflict and tension.

• Rising Action

• Falling Action

• Exposition

• Climax

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.3

The use of objects, characters, settings, or other elements to represent abstract ideas, concepts, or themes.

• Symbolism

• Metaphor

• Irony

• Allegory

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The person or entity that tells the story.

• Narrator

• Author

• Editor

• Publisher