Short Story Terminology

Front 1

plot

Back 1

the storyline. the plan, scheme, or main story of a literary or dramatic work, as a play, novel, or short story.

Front 2

exposition

Back 2

dialogue, description, etc., that gives the audience or reader the background of the characters and the present situation

Front 3

rising action

Back 3

a related series of incidents in a literary plot that build toward the point of greatest interest

Front 4

climax

Back 4

a decisive moment that is of maximum intensity or is a major turning point in a plot

Front 5

falling action

Back 5

the part of a literary plot that occurs after the climax has been reached

Front 6

resolution (dénouement)

Back 6

the final resolution of the intricacies of a plot, as of a drama or novel.

Front 7

conflict

Back 7

a fight, battle, or struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle; strife

Front 8

external conflict

Back 8

a struggle between the protagonist and another character against nature or some outside force

Front 9

internal conflict

Back 9

a struggle which takes place in the protagonist's mind and through which the character reaches a new understanding or dynamic change

Front 10

protagonist (main character)

Back 10

the central personal figure around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve

Front 11

secondary (minor) character

Back 11

exists in the background of a story in order to bring depth to the plot or the protagonist’s character

Front 12

dynamic character

Back 12

a character who undergoes a permanent change in outlook or character during the story

Front 13

static character

Back 13

literary character who remains basically unchanged throughout a work

Front 14

flat character

Back 14

an easily recognized character type in fiction who may not be fully delineated but is useful in carrying out some narrative purpose of the author

Front 15

round character

Back 15

a character in fiction whose personality, background, motives, and other features are fully delineated by the author