| A | B |
| Plot | Sequence of events |
| Conflict | Struggle between opposing forces |
| Introduction | First stage of plot |
| Problem | Second stage of plot |
| Development | Third stage of plot |
| Climax | Fourth stage of plot |
| Resolution | Fifth stage of plot |
| Internal | Least popular "flavor" of conflict |
| External | Most popular "flavor" of conflict |
| Setting | Time and place of the action |
| Character | A person or animal who takes part in the action |
| Major character | Focus of the story's attention |
| Minor character | Helps the action move along |
| Protagonist | Hero of the story |
| Antagonist | Villain of the story |
| Narrator | Speaker who is telling the story |
| 3rd person narrator | "He enjoys skiing." |
| 1st person narrator | "I love banana splits." |
| Character traits | How the author makes a character seem believable |
| Theme | Central message in a story |
| Direct theme | The author tells you the message |
| Implied theme | You have to figure out the theme |