| A | B |
|---|
| Chronological Order | Events unfold from beginning to end |
| Flashback | Interrupt the order of a chronological sequence to describe earlier events. |
| Pacing | Speed or rhythm of writing. |
| Parallel Plot | Occurs when an author develops two distinct storylines, with two sets of characters in a single work. |
| Characterization | The author portrays characters by using a set of techniques. |
| Direct Characterization | The author tells the reader about the character. |
| Indirect Characterization | The author shows the reader what the character is like through descriptions. |
| Short Story | A brief work of fiction can be read in one sitting. |
| Setting | Particular time and place. |
| Plot | Sequence of interrelated events that make up the action. |
| Characters | Personalities that take part in the action of a story. |
| Conflict | Sets the plot in motion. |
| Internal Conflict | When a character is torn over a decision. |
| External Conflict | When a character has to compete with an outside source. |
| Exposition | Gives the background information for the story. |
| Rising Action | Conflict and action build as the story progresses. |
| Climax | The apex of the story at which point one or more issues come to a head. |
| Falling Action | The story begins to calm down and issues untangle. |
| Resolution | The main points of conflict are resolved or fixed. |
| Humorous | Comical characters and situations intended to amuse readers. |
| Realistic | Portrays believable characters facing true-to life conflict in a realistic setting. |
| Speculative | Set in the future; actual or imagined science or technology play a central role. |
| Parody | Imitation of another story or writing style intended to poke fun at the original. |
| Historical | Set in the past; combines fictional characters with historical events or figures. |
| Flat Character | Has only one or two character traits. We don't know much about them. |
| Stock Character | Generic character that fills a standard role. |
| Round Character | Have many traits, faults and virtues. Good and bad...seem real. |
| Complex Character | We know alot about their character and who they are/what they feel. They have many motives. |
| Static Character | Remain relatively unchanged over the course of the story. |
| Dynamic Character | Change as a result of the events in the story. |
| Tone | The way in which the story is written that communicates much about the author's intent. |
| Mood | The feeling created by the story. |
| Allegory | A story that acts as a representation of a larger value or lesson. |
| Symbolism | Objects, colors, people or events in the story have a greater meaning. |
| Theme | The universal lesson or objective taught by the story. |
| First Person | The author writes as one of the characters and the reader is limited to what one character knows, sees and feels. |
| Third Person Limited | The author is not writing as the character, but usually only allows us to know what one character at a time sees and/or feels. |
| Third Person Omnicient | The author is like a god. They allow us to see everything and know what the characters are thinking. Does not usually follow one specific character. |
| Point of View | Who are we following in the story. Where are we seeing the story from? |
| Inference | Suggests something, but doesn't state it outright. Author places the responsibility of connecting up to the reader. |
