Elements of Fiction Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'Plot'?

the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a story

sequence of events in a story (correct)

where and when the story takes place

the overall emotion created by a work of literature

What is 'Foreshadowing'?

the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a story (correct)

events leading up to the climax

the perspective from which a story is told

the decisive moment in a novel or play

What does 'Flashback' refer to?

excited anticipation of an approaching climax

the character who works against the protagonist in the story

the main idea or meaning of a text

insertion of earlier events into a story (correct)

What is 'Suspense'?

the excited anticipation of an approaching climax Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Exposition' introduce?

the characters, setting, and basic situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Rising Action'?

events that lead up to the climax Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Climax' refer to?

the decisive moment in a novel or play Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Conflict' in fiction?

opposition between characters or forces that motivates the plot development Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Falling Action' refer to?

events after the climax, leading to the resolution Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Resolution' mean?

the end of the story where loose ends are tied up Signup and view all the answers

What defines an 'Antagonist'?

the character who works against the protagonist Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Direct Characterization'?

the writer tells us directly what a character's personality is like Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Flat Character'?

a character who embodies a single quality and does not develop Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Indirect Characterization'?

telling what the character is like through actions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Protagonist' mean?

the principal character in a work of fiction Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Round Character'?

this character is fully developed with good and bad traits revealed Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Stereotype'?

a generalized belief about a group of people Signup and view all the answers

What is 'First Person Point of View'?

a character in the story is actually telling the story Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Limited Point of View' mean?

the story is told from the perspective of one character with restricted information Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Omniscient Point of View'?

the story is told from a perspective that knows everything Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Point of View' refer to?

the perspective from which a story is told Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Dramatic Irony'?

when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Irony'?

the opposite of what is expected Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Situational Irony'?

an outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Verbal Irony'?

what is said is the opposite of what is meant Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Mood' in literature?

the overall emotion created by a work of literature Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Moral' refer to?

relating to principles of right and wrong Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Setting' in a story?

where and when the story takes place Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Symbol'?

something that stands for something else Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Theme' refer to?

the main idea or meaning of a text Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plot and Structure

Plot refers to the sequence of events that make up a story, outlining the journey from beginning to end.
Exposition introduces key elements such as characters, setting, and the basic situation, establishing the foundation for the narrative.
Rising action involves events that build up tension leading to the climax, escalating the story's conflict.
Climax marks the decisive moment in the narrative where the main conflict reaches its peak.
Falling action consists of events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution.
Resolution is the conclusion of the story where all loose ends are tied and the narrative comes to a close.

Characterization

Protagonist is the principal character around whom the story revolves, often facing the main conflict.
Antagonist opposes the protagonist, creating dramatic tension and conflict within the story.
Direct characterization conveys a character's personality through straightforward descriptions provided by the author.
Indirect characterization reveals a character's traits through their actions, behavior, and interactions with others.
Flat character embodies a single quality and does not undergo significant development throughout the story.
Round character is fully developed with complex traits, showcasing a range of emotions and personal history.

Perspectives and Irony

Point of view determines the perspective from which the story is told, impacting reader engagement and understanding.
First-person point of view features a character narrating their own story, providing personal insights and experiences.
Limited point of view restricts the narrative to one character’s experiences, shaping the reader's understanding of the story.
Omniscient point of view presents the story as if told by an all-knowing entity, offering insights into multiple characters' thoughts and feelings.
Dramatic irony occurs when the reader is aware of information that characters are not, creating tension and engagement.
Irony encompasses unexpected outcomes, including situational irony (contrary outcomes) and verbal irony (saying one thing while meaning another).

Themes and Techniques

Foreshadowing employs hints or clues to suggest future events, increasing suspense and intrigue.
Flashback integrates earlier events into the narrative, providing background and context for current events.
Suspense builds excitement and anticipation as the story approaches its climax, drawing in the reader emotionally.
Mood reflects the overall emotional atmosphere created by the literary work, influencing how readers feel as they engage with the text.
Symbol represents something beyond its literal meaning, enriching the narrative with deeper significance.
Theme conveys the main idea or insight into human life that the literary work seeks to express.

Additional Concepts

Stereotype simplifies characters or groups into generalized traits, lacking depth or complexity.
Moral pertains to the principles of right and wrong that may be conveyed through characters' choices and actions.
Setting establishes the time and place of the narrative, providing context that influences characters and events.

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Description

This quiz provides flashcards focused on key elements of fiction such as plot, foreshadowing, flashback, suspense, and exposition. It's designed to enhance your understanding of narrative structure and techniques used in storytelling. Test your knowledge and learn how these elements contribute to the overall experience of reading fiction.