| A | B |
| short story | a brief, fictional, prose narrative |
| plot | the sequence of events that makes up the story |
| theme | the main idea or central message |
| character | a person who takes part in a story |
| irony | the difference between what is expected and what actually happens |
| symbol | something that represents something greater than itself |
| exposition | stage of plot that introduces the story |
| rising action | stage of plot where complications arise |
| climax | high point or turning point in the plot |
| falling action | stage of plot where action slows |
| resolution | final stage of the plot; end of story |
| point of view | the angle from which a story is told |