Literature 1 Table of Terminology
Catergory Term Definition Examples
Exposition Relay background information about
- a main character,
- setting,
- event or
- other element of the narrative
Inciting incident The event that sets the main character or characters on
the journey that will occupy them throughout the
narrative
PLOT
Rising action Series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest,
and tension in a narrative
Climax The point at which the highest level of interest and
emotional response is achieved
Falling action The section of the plot following the climax
Resolution The part of the story's plot where the main problem is
resolved or worked out
Foreshadowing Indication or hint of what is to come later in the story
Internal When a character struggles with their own opposing
desires or beliefs
External A struggle that takes place between the main character
and some outside force
Person vs self The main character's inner struggle with self-doubts, a
moral dilemma, or their own nature
CONFLICT
Person vs person One person struggling for victory over another
Person vs society The protagonist is placed in opposition with society, the
government, or a cultural tradition or societal norm of
some kind
Person vs nature A character faces resistance from a natural force
Person vs fate When the protagonist finds himself or herself pitted
against a vengeful god or powerful supernatural force
Protagonist The central character or leading figure in poetry,
narrative, novel or any other story
Catergory Term Definition Examples
Exposition Relay background information about
- a main character,
- setting,
- event or
- other element of the narrative
Inciting incident The event that sets the main character or characters on
the journey that will occupy them throughout the
narrative
PLOT
Rising action Series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest,
and tension in a narrative
Climax The point at which the highest level of interest and
emotional response is achieved
Falling action The section of the plot following the climax
Resolution The part of the story's plot where the main problem is
resolved or worked out
Foreshadowing Indication or hint of what is to come later in the story
Internal When a character struggles with their own opposing
desires or beliefs
External A struggle that takes place between the main character
and some outside force
Person vs self The main character's inner struggle with self-doubts, a
moral dilemma, or their own nature
CONFLICT
Person vs person One person struggling for victory over another
Person vs society The protagonist is placed in opposition with society, the
government, or a cultural tradition or societal norm of
some kind
Person vs nature A character faces resistance from a natural force
Person vs fate When the protagonist finds himself or herself pitted
against a vengeful god or powerful supernatural force
Protagonist The central character or leading figure in poetry,
narrative, novel or any other story
