Essential literary terms and analytical frameworks for interpreting narrative, theme, and figurative language across K-12 curricula.
20 cards
Front
Plot
Back
The structured sequence of events in a narrative, arranged to create specific effects on the reader. It typically follows a pattern including exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
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Conflict
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The central struggle or problem that drives the narrative action. It can be internal (character vs. self) or external (character vs. character, nature, society, or fate).
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Characterization
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The method an author uses to develop a character's personality, traits, and motivations. This includes direct description (telling) and indirect methods like speech, thoughts, and actions (showing).
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Point of View
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The perspective from which a story is told. It determines the reader's access to information, ranging from first-person ('I') to third-person limited or omniscient.
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Theme
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A central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. Unlike a subject (e.g., 'war'), a theme is a statement the author makes about that subject (e.g., 'war destroys innocence').
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