Literature: Character Types and Plot Structure
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Questions and Answers

What is the first element of plot in a story?

  • Exposition (correct)
  • Climax
  • Conclusion
  • Falling action

The climax of a story is where the tension begins to decrease.

False (B)

What does Freytag's Pyramid illustrate in storytelling?

The progression of conflict from inception to resolution

The ______ action develops and depicts tension caused by the conflict.

<p>rising</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of characters with their descriptions:

<p>Major or Central = Key characters that drive the plot Minor = Supporting characters with less prominence Dynamic = Characters that undergo significant change Static = Characters that remain largely unchanged</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of Freytag's Pyramid deals with the resolution of the conflict?

<p>Resolution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes dynamic characters?

<p>Characters who change as a result of conflict (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The denouement occurs before the climax in a story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flat characters are often complex and multidimensional.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a round character.

<p>Harry Potter</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically determines the fate of the protagonist?

<p>Falling action</p> Signup and view all the answers

A character who does not change throughout the story is called a _____ character.

<p>static</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is an example of a static character?

<p>Scar from The Lion King (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following character types with their descriptions:

<p>Dynamic Characters = Change over time Static Characters = Do not change Round Characters = Complex personalities Flat Characters = Simple traits</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do minor characters play in a story?

<p>They complement major characters and help move the plot forward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A character with one defining trait and little emotional complexity is known as a _____ character.

<p>flat</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which figure of comparison uses 'like' or 'as' in its definition?

<p>Simile (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A metaphor makes a comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'oxymoron' refer to?

<p>Combines contradictory words with opposing meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The figure of representation that uses a part to signify a whole is called _____.

<p>synecdoche</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following figures of contrast with their definitions:

<p>Oxymoron = Combines contradictory words Paradox = Seemingly self-contradictory statement Irony = Statement of one idea meant as the opposite Metonymy = Figurative representation of one thing for another</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of personification?

<p>Money talks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A paradox cannot be proven to be true.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a simile.

<p>Life is like a game.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which character is an example of a flat character in Finding Nemo?

<p>Crush (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A static character undergoes significant change throughout the story.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the time and place in which a story occurs?

<p>setting</p> Signup and view all the answers

A character that lacks complexity and has a one-dimensional personality is called a ______ character.

<p>flat</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following points of view with their descriptions:

<p>First person singular = Narration using 'I' Third person = Narration using 'he' or 'she' Second person = Narration directly addressing the reader using 'you' Omniscient = Narration knowing all characters' thoughts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT a part of the setting?

<p>Plot (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Figures of speech are standard uses of words that avoid literary effects.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role can a setting play in a narrative, aside from providing context?

<p>affect characters</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is asyndeton?

<p>Omission of connectiveness or a linking verb. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The omission of a sound from the beginning of a word is called syncope.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of onomatopoeia.

<p>Chirp, moo, bark, meow</p> Signup and view all the answers

The omission of letter/s from the end of a word is known as __________.

<p>apocope</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of alliteration?

<p>Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the figures of sound to their definitions.

<p>Alliteration = Repetition of the initial sound in a succession of words. Onomatopoeia = Use of a word to indicate a sound. Assonance = Repetition of the vowel sound in a succession of words. Consonance = Repetition of the consonant sound in a succession of words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of figure of omission is represented by the phrase ‘Cause I found you?

<p>Alphaeresis</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary device involves the repetition of similar sounds at the beginning of closely connected words?

<p>Alliteration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyperbole is an understatement used in literature.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define 'theme' in literature.

<p>The central controlling idea or unifying statement of a literary work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A ____ is a dramatic sequence within a single locale or setting on stage.

<p>scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary device with its description:

<p>Hyperbole = An exaggeration or overstatement for effect Pun = A play on words for humorous effect Dialogue = A conversation between two or more people in literature Voice = The individual style of an author in writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a pun?

<p>Let’s taco ‘bout it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dialogue is commonly found in poems and non-literary essays.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'voice' in the context of literature?

<p>The individual style in which an author writes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Plot

The sequence of events in a story, often including flashbacks or flash-forwards.

Exposition

The section of a story that introduces the setting, characters, and initial conflict.

Rising Action

The part of the story where the conflict intensifies, creating tension and leading towards the climax.

Climax

The turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the protagonist faces a major decision.

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Falling Action

The section of the story after the climax, where the consequences of the protagonist's actions unfold.

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Resolution

The resolution of the story's conflict, where the main issues are addressed and a sense of closure is achieved.

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Denouement

A brief period after the climax, where the changes experienced by the protagonist are examined.

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Characters

The individuals, animals, or beings that bring the story to life.

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Major Character

A character that is a central figure in the story's plot and resolution. This type of character drives the narrative and is essential to the storyline.

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Minor Character

A character whose role is to support the major characters and contribute to the plot's advancement.

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Dynamic Character

A character that experiences significant growth and change over the course of the story, often due to a conflict or major crisis.

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Static Character

A character that remains consistent throughout the story, their personality and actions remain largely unchanged.

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Round Character

A complex and multi-faceted character who displays a wide range of emotions, motivations, and traits. They feel like real people.

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Flat Character

A character with a simple and often predictable personality, usually defined by one or two traits. They lack depth and complexity.

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Stock Characters

Characters that symbolize a particular characteristic or trait. They represent a specific idea or social group.

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Setting

The time and place in which a story takes place. It can include details about the location, social context, weather, and time period.

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Atmosphere

The overall feeling or mood created in a story, often influenced by setting and other elements.

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Point of view

The perspective from which a story is narrated. Common examples include first person ('I') and third person ('he/she').

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Figure of Speech

A deviation from the standard use of words to create a specific effect or meaning.

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Asyndeton

The omission of a conjunction (and, or, but, for, nor, so, yet) or a linking verb.

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Aphaeresis

The omission of a letter or letters from the beginning of a word.

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Syncope

The omission of a letter or letters from the middle of a word.

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Apocope

The omission of a letter or letters from the end of the word.

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Alliteration

Repetition of the initial letter or sound in a succession of words.

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Onomatopoeia

Use of a word to indicate a sound.

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Assonance

Repetition of the vowel sound (not necessarily the initial sound) in a succession of words.

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Consonance

Repetition of the consonant sound (not necessarily the initial sound) in a succession of words.

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Simile

A figurative comparison using 'as' or 'like' to create a more subtle comparison. For example, 'The sun is like a giant ball of fire.'

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Metaphor

A figurative comparison that directly equates two things without using 'as' or 'like'. For example, 'He is a lion in battle.'

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Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms for a striking effect. For example, 'deafening silence' or 'jumbo shrimp'.

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Paradox

A seemingly self-contradictory statement that can be proven true. For example, 'The more you know, the more you realize you don't know.'

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Irony

A statement that means the opposite of its literal meaning, creating a humorous or ironic effect. For example, 'That's a great idea! We've never thought of it before.'

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Metonymy

A figure of speech that substitutes a closely related word or phrase for the actual thing. For example, 'The crown' representing a king.

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Synecdoche

A figure of speech where a part represents the whole or the whole represents a part. For example, 'wheels' referring to a car or 'ten hands' referring to ten people.

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Personification

A figure of speech where human qualities are given to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. For example, 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees.'

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Hyperbole

An exaggeration or overstatement used for literary effect.

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Pun

A play on words used for humor or wit.

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Dialogue

A written or spoken conversation between two or more people in a work of literature.

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Scene

A dramatic sequence taking place in one location or setting on stage. It's a division of an act in a play.

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Theme

The main controlling idea or unifying statement of a literary work. It can be directly stated or simply implied, offering insight or a vision of life.

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Voice

The individual style in which an author writes. It includes literary devices and techniques like syntax, semantics, diction, and tone.

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Study Notes

Plot

  • Plot is a term used in literature to describe the chronology of interconnected events that form a story.
  • Sometimes writers use flashbacks or flash forwards.

Elements of Plot

  • Exposition: Introduces the story's setting, time, place, and characters. Explains relationships between characters and the protagonist's relationship to their surroundings.
  • Rising action: The longest part of the story, developing and showing the tension caused by the conflict introduced in the exposition . This section includes complications and obstacles faced by the protagonist.
  • Climax: The turning point or point of no return. Tension reaches its peak. It causes a reversal of fortune for the protagonist.
  • Falling action: This section is where the fate of the protagonist is decided. Actions are taken as a result of the climax in order to resolve the conflict. The significance of this part has decreased in recent stories.
  • Resolution: The conflict is resolved. The protagonist succeeds or fails in their goal.
  • Denouement: A debriefing period; the change the protagonist has undergone throughout the story is analyzed. This can happen after the climax or not at all.

Freytag's Pyramid

  • A method of structuring a story by mapping the progression of conflict from inception to resolution.
  • The basic plot structure for any narrative was laid out by Aristotle.
  • Each story has a beginning, middle, and an end.

Characters

  • Characters are the people, animals, and other beings that bring life to the story.
  • Types of characters:
    • Major or Central: Vital for the development and resolution of the conflict. The plot and resolution of conflict revolve around these characters.
    • Minor: Support major characters, help move plot events forward; usually have a small role and appear for a few scenes. Impact on the story can be large even with limited screen time.
    • Dynamic: Change over time as a result of resolving a conflict or facing a crisis. Learn a lesson or change as a person, either for better or worse.
    • Static: Do not change over time; their personality and traits do not transform or evolve. Stay the same throughout the story.
    • Round: Have a complex personality and are often portrayed as conflicted and contradictory. Give the reader insights into the character through details, including history, thoughts, emotions, and traits.
    • Flat: The opposite of round characters; notable for one kind of personality trait or characteristic. Have little to no complex emotions, motivations, or personality. Often called stock characters, never deviating from simple traits.

Point of View

  • The perspective from which a story is narrated. Every story has a perspective, but there can be more than one kind of point of view in a work of literature.
  • Common points of view in novels include first person ("I") and third person ("he" or "she").

Setting and Atmosphere

  • Setting: The time and place where the story takes place. Can include social statuses, weather, historical period, and details about the immediate surroundings.
  • Some settings are specific, others are descriptive. Setting is a fundamental aspect of fiction along with plot, character, theme, and style; it provides the backdrop for the story and helps create mood.
  • Setting can act almost as a nonhuman character, affecting characters in many ways.

Figures of Speech

  • Deviations from standard or ordinary use, for producing a special meaning or literary effect.
  • Classified into tropes (create semantic shifts or changes in meaning; e.g., similes, metaphors) and schemes (affect patterning of letters in words or sentences; e.g., metaphors, litotes, irony).
  • Simile: Figurative comparison using "as" or "like."
  • Metaphor: Figurative comparison without "as" or "like." (Direct Comparison)
  • Oxymoron: Combines contradictory words with opposite meanings.
  • Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that can be true.
  • Irony: A statement of one idea, the opposite of which is meant.
  • Metonymy: A figurative representation of one thing for another, where words are substituted for other words associated with them.
  • Synecdoche: Figurative representation of a part for a whole, or a whole for a part.
  • Personification: Attributing human qualities to non-human things.
  • Figures of Omission: Asyndeton (omission of connective words/phrases), Aphaeresis (omission of beginning letters/sounds in a word), Syncope (omission of middle letters/sounds in a word), Apocope (omission of ending letters/sounds in a word).

Figures of Sound

  • Alliteration: Repetition of initial letter or sound in a succession of words.
  • Onomatopoeia: Use of a word to indicate a sound.
  • Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds in a succession of words.
  • Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds in a succession of words.

Other Figures

  • Hyperbole: An exaggeration or overstatement for literary effect.
  • Pun: A play on words to create humorous or witty effects.

Dialogue

  • Derived from the Greek word "dialogos"; meaning "conversation".
  • A written or spoken conversation between two or more people in a work of literature.
  • Rarely found in poems and non-literary essays.

Scene

  • A dramatic sequence which takes place within a single locale or setting on stage.
  • A subdivision of an act within a play.

Theme

  • The central controlling idea or unifying statement of the whole literary work.
  • Either directly stated or implied, it's a brief, meaningful insight or comprehensive vision into life.

Voice

  • The individual style in which an author writes.
  • Involves different literary devices and stylistic techniques, including but not limited to syntax, semantics, diction, dialogue, character development, tone, pacing, and punctuation.

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