Story Structure

Question 1

anachrony

Answer 1

The literary technique of presenting material out of chronological order.

Question 2

anticlimax

Answer 2

Descent, usually sudden, from a higher to a lower emotional point — from a topic or tone with greater drama or significance to one with less impact or importance. Anticlimax typically results in the disappointment or even reversal of expectations.

Question 3

climax

Answer 3

The point of greatest tension or emotional intensity in a plot.

Question 4

conflict

Answer 4

A confrontation or struggle between opposing characters or forces in the plot, from which the action emanates and around which it revolves.

Question 5

exposition

Answer 5

The weaving into the plot of essential prior matters, such as past events. Helps to develop context.

Question 6

flashback

Answer 6

A scene that interrupts the present action in a narrative to depict some earlier event via reverie, remembrance, dreaming, or some other mechanism.

Question 7

foreshadowing

Answer 7

The technique of introducing material that prepares the reader for future events, actions, or revelations.

Question 8

intrigue

Answer 8

When a character initiates a scheme which depends for its success on the ignorance or gullibility of the person or persons against whom it is directed.

Question 9

motif

Answer 9

A recurrent, unifying element in a work, such as an image, symbol, character type, action, idea, object, or phrase.

Question 10

plot

Answer 10

The arrangement and interrelation of events in a narrative work.

Question 11

point of view

Answer 11

The vantage point from which a narrative is told.

Question 12

point of view(1st person)

Answer 12

When the vantage point is from a character who refers to himself or herself as “I.”
Ex: I ran through the field of daisies.

Question 13

point of view(2nd person)

Answer 13

When the vantage point is from the perspective of “you.”

Ex: You ran through the field of daisies.

Question 14

point of view(3rd person objective)

Answer 14

When the narrator is an observer who relates the story using third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” and “it.” No character thoughts are explicitly expressed from this vantage point.
Ex: He ran through the field of daisies.

Question 15

point of view(3rd person limited)

Answer 15

When the narrator is an observer who relates the story using third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” and “it.” Only a single character’s thoughts are explicitly expressed from this vantage point.
Ex: He ran through the field of daisies, his heart filled with joy.

Question 16

point of view(3rd person omniscient)

Answer 16

When the narrator is an observer who relates the story using third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” and “it.” Many or all characters’ thoughts are explicitly expressed through this all-knowing vantage point.
Ex: He ran through the field of daisies, his heart filled with joy. The squirrels and chipmunks watching him also felt a similar exuberance.

Question 17

resolution

Answer 17

The culmination of a plot.

Question 18

rising action

Answer 18

The part of a work that follows the inciting moment(the event that gives rise to conflict) and precedes the climax or the crisis. During the rising action, the plot becomes more complicated and the conflict intensifies.

Question 19

setting

Answer 19

The combination of place, historical time, and social milieu that provides the general background for the characters and plot of a work.

Question 20

subplot

Answer 20

A second story that is complete in its own right within the greater context of a work’s primary plot.

Question 21

theme

Answer 21

The statement(s), express or implied, that a work seems to be making about its subject. Generally, the main idea or message in a work.