English Flashcards
(33 cards)
Define: Protagonist
The protagonist is the main character in the story.
usually the ‘GOOD’ GUY who the reader likes
Define: Antagonist
The Antagonist is the character with whom the protagonist comes into conflict. (‘BAD’ GUY)
Define: Conflict
Conflict is the problem or struggle between opposing characters, forces or emotions. (keyword ‘vs’)
Eg. person vs. himself, person vs. nature, person vs. society, person vs. technology, nature vs. nature)
-The problem in the story that needs to be solved.
Define: Theme
The theme is the message or ‘MORAL’ of the story.
the reason the author was compelled to write it
Define: Characters
Characters are the fictional people who inhabit the story.
Define: Setting
The Setting is WHEN and WHERE the story takes place.
Define: Atmosphere
Atmosphere is the MOOD or feeling of the story.
Define: Plot
The plot is the series of events that make up the story (middle)
Define: Point of View
Point of View is the vantage point (perspective) from which the writer tells a story. (angle story told from)
1st person = uses “I”; the narrator is in the story
3rd person = the narrator is all-knowing (looking through a window)
Define: Introduction
In the introduction the setting and characters are introduced.
Define: Inciting Incident (trigger incident)
The inciting/trigger incident are the events that introduce a problem or conflict.
Define: Rising Action
Rising Action are Events that occur before the climax.
-the series of conflicts or struggles that build toward a climax.
Define: Major Crisis
Turning point in the plot.
Define: Climax
The climax is the most exciting or emotional high.
-point of greatest suspense or interest
Define: Falling Action (Denouement)
Falling Action is when the events fall into place.
-events after the climax that lead to the resolution
Define: Resolution
The resolution (also called conclusion) is the final part of the story where the conflict is resolved. -conclusion of a story where loose ends are tied up
Define: Symbol
Symbols are objects that stand for something else.
eg. dove=peace
rose=love
black=evil/death
Define: Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing are hints (clues) to what is going to happen.
Define: Flashback
Flashback is an incident which takes place in the memory of a character which provides background information.
-when the action is interrupted by a scene from the past
Define: Irony
Irony is created through unexpected or opposite situations.
-when the opposite of what you expect happens (or when you say the opposite of what you mean)
Define: Satire
Satire is criticizing anybody/anything by ridiculing them.
-making fun of something with humour
Define: Personification
Personification is human qualities given to non-living things.
e.g. lightning danced across the sky
Define: Simile
A simile is comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as”.
E.g. He is as hungry as a horse.
This house is as clean as a whistle.
Define: Metaphor
Without using “like” or “as”, a metaphor compares two unlike things.
-saying something is something else for comparison
E.g. feeling blue
her apple cheeks glowed with health
