| A | B |
|---|
| Plot | The series of action and events in a story |
| Theme | The lesson, central idea, concern, or message in the story |
| Protagonist | The main character |
| Exposition | Provides readers with the background information they need to understand the story; introduces characters and setting |
| Rising Action | Action of the story begins; conflict is introduced; tension builds |
| Climax | The moment of greatest tension in a story; the protagonist must make a decision or take action |
| Falling Action | The consequences of the protagonist's decision or action play out; the conflict is finally decided |
| Resolution | The unfinished parts of the plot are resolved; the "loose ends" are tied up; and the story comes to its conclusion |
| Conflict | Struggle between opposing forces |
| Antagonist | A character who causes conflict for the protagonist in a story |
