| A | B |
| fiction | writing that comes from the author's imagination |
| main character | the character the story focuses on |
| conflict | the problem or struggle between two or more opposing forces |
| resolution | usually occurs at the end of the story and loose ends are tied up |
| short story | a brief work of fiction that usually revolves around a single idea; may be read at one sitting |
| minor characters | these characters provider the background for the story |
| exposition | this sets the stage for the story; characters are introduced |
| theme | the main message of the story |
| novel | a longer, more complex piece of fiction |
| setting | the time and place in which the story happens |
| complications | the plot gets more complex, suspense builds |
| characters | the people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in a story |
| plot | the sequence of events in a story |
| climax | the high point of interest or suspense in the story |
| mood | the emotional quality or tone of a piece |
| imagery | when authors use sensory words to describe elements of a story |
| subject | the matter that a story is about |
| tone | the attitude that the author takes toward a subject |
| point of view | the standpoint from which the story is told |
| narrator | the voice that tells the story |
| first-person point of view | the narrator tells the story using words such as I and we, and might take place in the story |
| third-person point of view | the narrator tells the story using words such as he, she, and they and does not participate in the story |
| protagonist | the main character |
| antagonist | a character or force that is in conflict with the protagonist |
| motive | something that moves a character to act in a certain way |
| falling action | the events that occur after the turning point |
| rising action | the part of the plot in which the central conflict is developed |
| external conflict | a struggle between a character and an outside force |
| internal conflict | a struggle experienced within a character |
| crisis | known as the turning point |