3U English Key Terminology: Elements of Fiction

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Questions and Answers

Which character type is defined as the central character in a narrative?

Antagonist

Static character

Dynamic character

Protagonist (correct)

A flat character is a fully-developed and complex character.

False

What is the role of a foil character in a narrative?

To emphasize a particular trait of the protagonist through similarity and contrast.

A character who does not change significantly throughout the narrative is called a __________ character.

static Signup and view all the answers

Match the following character types with their descriptions:

Dynamic character = Changes significantly in response to narrative events. Static character = Does not change throughout the story. Antihero = Lacks traditional heroic qualities and often feels helpless. Stock character = A stereotypical character with standard traits in a predictable role. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an element of setting?

Plot twist Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the narrator in a story?

To tell the story and provide perspective. Signup and view all the answers

Third person limited omniscient narration gives insight into the thoughts of all characters involved.

False Signup and view all the answers

In first person narration, the story is told using ________ pronouns.

first person Signup and view all the answers

Which point of view allows a narrator to convey the inner thoughts of all characters?

Third person omniscient Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the exposition in a narrative?

To introduce character, setting, and situation Signup and view all the answers

The crisis occurs after the climax of a narrative.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'falling action' in the context of plot structure?

A series of events between the climax and the denouement that unravel the main conflict. Signup and view all the answers

The __________ is the moment at which the major conflict is revealed in the narrative.

inciting incident Signup and view all the answers

Match the following plot elements with their definitions:

Climax = The point of highest tension and turning point of the plot Conflict = Opposition of two forces in a narrative Denouement = The resolution where the main conflict is resolved Rising Action = Events that complicate the main conflict leading to the climax Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elements of Fiction

Plot: Sequence of events/actions in narrative texts including short fiction, novels, plays, and narrative poems.
Exposition: Introduces characters, setting, and situation while hinting at the main conflict.
Inciting Incident/Force: Moment when the major conflict is created or revealed.
Rising Action: Events complicating the main conflict, building towards the climax.
Crisis: Critical decision faced by the protagonist that leads to the climax.
Climax: Highest tension point of the narrative that resolves the main conflict and shifts the power balance.
Falling Action: Events following the climax that unravel the main conflict.
Denouement/Resolution: End of the narrative where main conflict is resolved, revealing characters' growth or lack thereof.
Conflict: Opposition of forces (individual vs. individual, self, society, nature); central to plot.
Subplot: Secondary story in narratives that reinforces themes through repetition or contrast.

Character

Character: Individuals participating in narrative action.
Protagonist: Central character of the story.
Antagonist: Opponent of the protagonist.
Round Character: Complex, fully-developed character.
Flat Character: Limited character with few traits.
Stock/Stereotypical Character: Flat character embodying standard traits in a typical role.
Static Character: Character that does not undergo significant change.
Dynamic Character: Character that undergoes significant, internal change.
Foil Character: Minor character that highlights a trait of the protagonist through contrast.
Antihero: Protagonist lacking traditional heroic qualities, often feeling helpless and out of control, yet may perform accidental heroic acts.

Setting

Setting: Time and place where plot events occur.
Elements of Setting:
- Time: Day, month, season, year, and historical period.
- Place: Location, geographical locale, or broader universe.
- Social/Historical Context: Social, religious, political, and moral attitudes of the time and place.
- Atmosphere/Mood: Reader's emotional response shaped by time, place, characters, and conflict.

Point of View

Point of View: Perspective from which the story is told.
Narrator: Individual telling the story.
Types of Narration:
- First Person: Narrated from a character’s perspective using first-person pronouns.
  - Major: From the protagonist's perspective.
  - Minor: From a secondary character's perspective.
  - Stream of Consciousness: Focus on the narrator's thoughts and feelings, often non-linear.
- Third Person: Told by an outside observer using third-person pronouns.
  - Omniscient: All-knowing narrator with insight into multiple characters.
  - Limited Omniscient: Insight into thoughts/feelings of one or two characters.
  - Objective: Reports actions/words without character insights.
Tone: Narrator's attitude towards elements of the narrative, conveyed through word choices and descriptions.
Bias: Preconceived attitudes that influence the narrator's perspective.

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Description

Test your understanding of key terminology in 3U English related to the elements of fiction. This quiz will cover essential components such as plot, exposition, inciting incidents, and rising actions. Perfect for students preparing for their English exams!