Definitions for literary terms.

1. 1

2. 2
The turning point or
highest point of action in a
story. The climax is when
the story’s outcome
becomes clear.
1. climax

3. 3

4. 4
The problem in the story.
2. conflict

5. 5

6. 6
A piece of writing with a clear
beginning, middle, and end.
An essay is about a real topic.
3. essay

7. 7

8. 8
The emotional quality of a
story. How the writing
makes you feel as the
reader.
4. mood

9. 9

10. 10
The speaker telling
the story. The
narrator tells a story
through first person
or third person point
of view.
5. narrator

11. 11
RESOLUTION

12. RESOLUTION12
The sequence of events in
a story.
6. plot

13. 13

14. 14
The perspective from
which a story is told. The
narrator can be a
character in the story
(1st person) or outside of
the story (3rd person).
7. point of view

15. 15

16. 16
The final outcome of a story.
8. resolution

17. 17

18. 18
The time and
place of a story.
Setting can include
year, weather, town,
home, etc.
9. setting

19. 19

20. 20
A general message
about life in a story.
Theme is NOT a
summary of the plot.
10. theme