ENGLISH 11
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Plot: is the series of events that
make up the story.
Initiating incident: the event that
begins a conflict
Rising action: the series of events
that lead up to the climax
Stages of plot
Climax: the major crisis in the story
and usually it is a turning point for
the protagonist. It is also the highest
point of emotional intensity for the
reader
Falling action: the series of events
that follow the climax
Stages of plot
Denouement: The resolution of the
conflict that occurs after the climax.
Often things which were unclear
earlier are explained.
Indeterminate endings: the conflict
is unresolved at the end
Plot
Conflict: a struggle between
opposing characters or forces,
usually between the protagonist and
someone or something else
Internal conflict: a struggle within a
character over desires, ideas, or
goals
Conflict
External conflict: a struggle between
a character and his/her surroundings
or between two characters. It can
be physical, emotional, or
psychological
Dilemma: a difficult choice between
two equally unpleasant alternatives
Conflict
Suspense: a feeling of uncertainty or
anxiety felt by the reader over what
will happen to the protagonist.
Foreshadowing: a hint of what is
going to happen later in the story
Plot
Symbol: something that stands for,
or represents something else. Often
it is a concrete object that
represents an abstract idea
Motif: A recurring idea or theme (ex:
love, war, evil, leadership)
Theme: the central idea (or
message) of a story. It is usually
implied rather than directly stated.
It is expressed as a complete
sentence.
Setting: the place and time in which
a story occurs
Atmosphere: the pervading feeling
created by a story (a.k.a. Mood)
Tone: the attitude the writer takes
toward his/her subject, characters,
or audience (ex: serious, reflective)
Dynamic character: one who
undergoes a significant, lasting
change, usually in her/her outlook
Static character: one who does not
change throughout the course of the
story
Character Types
Round character: a realistic
character with several
qualities/traits
Flat character: a limited character
who has only one or two apparent
traits
Character types
Stock/Stereotype character: a
predictable, one-dimensional
character who fits a set pattern of
behaviour (ex: jock, nerd)
Character types
Character foil: a minor character
whose situation or actions contrast
with those of a major character. The
contrast illuminates the main
character
Narrator: one who tells the story
Protagonist: the main character
Antagonist: the major character or
force in conflict with the protagonist
Point of View: the perspective from
which a story is told
First person: the protagonist tells
the story directly to the reader (“I”).
The reader knows the thoughts and
feelings of the protagonist only
Point of View
Limited omniscient: a narrator tells
the story, and refers to characters as
he, she, or by name (third person).
It shows only what one character
thinks and feels
Omniscient: third person narration,
that shows the thoughts and feelings
of several or all characters
Point of View
Objective: a narrator tells the story,
revealing only what characters say or
do. There is no insight into
characters’ thoughts.
Point of View
Stream of Consciousness: a narrative
that shows a character’s thoughts as
they occur, without interpretation
and possibly without conventional
punctuation
Point of View
Irony: a device that reveals
concealed or contradictory meanings
Dramatic Irony: occurs when what a
character says or believes contrasts
with what the reader knows to be
true
Irony
Verbal irony: occurs when what is
said contrasts with what is meant
(ex: sarcasm)
Situational irony: occurs when what
takes place contrasts with what is
expected or what seems appropriate
Irony
Allegory: a story with a second
distinct meaning, partially hidden
behind its literal meaning (uses
metaphor, personification)
Allusion: a reference to a person,
place, or thing from literature, the
bible, mythology or history
Miscellaneous terms
Satire: exposes the failings of
individuals, institutions, or societies
through ridicule or scorn