Elements of Fiction Flashcards
(23 cards)
protagonist
primary character of text, not necessarily good or bad
antagonist
primary character who opposes the protagonist in a critical way
foil
character who serves as a compliment to the protagonist, sheds light on the protagonist by having contrasting traits
image
instance of language that conveys visual information, causes you to see something in your mind’s eye
simile
comparison that uses “like” or “as”
metaphor
comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as”, suggests equivalence due to a seemingly stronger note of authority
hyperbole
use of florid exaggeration for rhetorical effect, often involves metaphors and/or similes
diction
collective term for the kinds of words used in a text, linguistic choices made in a text, part of voice!, english is a mix between Anglo-Saxon and Latin based words
symbol
word or phrase that signifies an object or event which in its turn signifies something or has a range of references, beyond itself
motif
a conspicuous element, such as a type of incident, device, reference, or formula, which occurs frequently in works of literature
theme
idea that is in some way universal to (or widespread within) the human experience and received exploration within a text
first person point of view
marked by the use of the first-person pronoun “I”
second person point of view
marked by the use of the second-pronoun “you”
third person objective point of view
no access to thoughts or emotions of the characters
third person subjunctive (close) point of view
access to one’s thoughts and emotions, that character will most likely be the protagonist
third person omniscient point of view
access to every character’s thoughts and emotions
description-narrative technique
a scene described at length could bring light to a place or person but too much description could lead to two bad things:
1. time stops–> static, nothing happens, narrative flow stops
2. avoids readers using their imaginations
these can be avoided if description is used actively
narrative summary-narrative technique
connects the who, what, where, why, when, and how; tells a story does not show it
immediate scene-narrative technique
urgent passages because everything is happening currently, make immediate sense of dialogue
Socratic/narrative arc–structural components
developed by Socrates, to build effective drama in stories. made up of 5 parts:
1. exposition–setup of conflict
2. rising action
3. climax
4. falling action
5. denouement–resolution
can be used classically, with front-load climax, late-occurring climax, or just not in this order at all
realistic novel
“the attempt to give the effect of realism, by representing complex characters with mixed motives who are rooted in a social class, operate in a developed social structure, interact with many other character, and undergo plausible, everyday modes of experience. a realistic novel focuses on the customs, conversation, and ways of thinking and valuing of a particular social class, it is often called a novel of manners”
social novel
“emphasizes the influence of the social and economic conditionals of an era on shaping characters and determining events; often it also embodies an implicit or explicit thesis recommending political and social reform…
historical novel
“began in the nineteenth century with Sir Walter Scott. The historical novel not only takes its setting and some characters and events from history, but makes the historical events and issues crucial for the central characters and narrative. Some of the greatest historical novels also use the protagonists and actions to reveal what the author regards and the deep forces that impel the historical process”
