Graphic Novel Terms

These enclose dialogue and come from a specific speaker’s mouth; they vary in size, shape, and layout and can alternate to depict a conversation; can represent external dialogue or internal dialogue, which is a thought

• Speech Bubbles

• Captions

• Transitions

• Foreground

What is the purpose of the midground and the background?

• Placing an image off-center or near the top or bottom can be used to create visual tension. These objects provide story support and establish mood.

• These panels help to create focus for the reader as they are closest to the viewer.

• The panels in the midground and background are made to distract readers from the central focus of the panel.

• These panels describe the way some images draw the eye more than others, creating a definite focus using color and shading in various ways.

Why are hands and feet important in graphic novels?

• Animated characters are usually drawn with only 4 fingers and toes.

• They can be used to help express what is happening in the story and help portray the mood.

• Hands are a symbol of hard work and freedom while feet are a symbol of journeys and movement.

• Hands and feet are a part of the background and are meant to be out of focus for readers.

How do you read the panels of a graphic novel?

• Start at the top of the page, move left to right, then move down, and repeat.

• Start with the biggest panel then move to the next panel that catches the readers eye.

• Start from the bottom and move to the top.

• Start from the right hand corner and move to the left.

Why are some speech bubbles different shapes?

• To make the story more interesting for the reader.

• To emphasize and support the mood and tone of the story.

• To illustrate that some characters are more important than others.

• Graphic novels require the use of different shapes and colors.

These are boxes containing a variety of text elements, including scene setting, description, background, etc.

• Transitions

• Shading and coloring

• Special effects

• Captions

Gutter

• When the artwork extends beyond the edge of the page.

• The space between panels on a page, shows passage of time.

• Lines used to convey emotion.

Splash Page

• The lines and borders that contain the panels.

• A rounded or oval-shaped graphic containing characters' spoken words.

• A full-page illustration, typically used for impactful moments.

Speech Balloon

• A rounded or oval-shaped graphic containing characters' spoken words.

• The elements in the front of a panel, closer to the viewer.

• Lines used to convey movement or action in a static image.

Thought Bubble

• A rounded or oval-shaped graphic containing characters' spoken words.

• A narrative device where a character's thoughts or commentary are presented in the form of a spoken monologue typically not directly addressed to other characters. This can be represented by captions or text boxes.

• Similar to a speech balloon, but used to represent a character's inner thoughts.