Narrative Literary Terms

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1. What are the five elements of plot?

Explanation

The five elements of plot are essential components that build the structure of a narrative. They include exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, each serving a specific purpose in developing the story.

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About This Quiz
Literary Analysis Quizzes & Trivia

Explore key elements of narrative storytelling through this engaging set of flashcards. Assess your understanding of literary terms and enhance your analytical skills, making your reading experience more... see moreenriching and insightful. see less

2. What type of character does not change through the course of the story?

Explanation

In literature, a static character is one that remains the same throughout the story, whereas dynamic characters change. Round and flat characters refer to the depth and complexity of a character, respectively.

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3. What is the main character of a literary work called?

Explanation

The main character of a literary work is called the protagonist, who is typically the central figure in the story. The antagonist is the character who opposes the protagonist, the sidekick is a supporting character, and tertiary characters have even less significance in the storyline.

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4. In a literary work, who is the character or force that is against the main character?

Explanation

In literary works, an antagonist is a character or force that opposes the main character, creating conflict and tension in the story. The antagonist is typically the primary source of conflict for the protagonist.

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5. What type of character changes during the story, often as a result of what happens?

Explanation

In literature, a dynamic character is one who undergoes significant internal change as a result of events in the story. A static character, on the other hand, remains the same throughout the narrative. Round characters are complex and realistic, while flat characters are one-dimensional and lack depth.

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6. What does the prefix 'narra-' in words like narrator, narrative, narration mean?

Explanation

The prefix 'narra-' in words like narrator, narrative, and narration all relate to the act of telling a story or recounting events. This prefix is often associated with storytelling and the conveyance of events or information.

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7. What three elements make up the setting of a story?

Explanation

The setting of a story refers to the time, place, and social background in which the events of the story take place. It helps establish the context and atmosphere for the narrative.

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8. What are the five major types of conflict in a narrative work?

Explanation

The correct answer includes the most common types of conflict found in narrative works, while the incorrect answers do not accurately represent the major types of conflict typically present in literary works.

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9. What literary term is used when we learn about a character through direct statements about their personality?

Explanation

Direct Characterization refers to the method by which an author reveals a character's personality through direct statements, while Indirect Characterization involves revealing a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue. Character Development refers to the changes a character undergoes throughout a story, and Persona Description does not accurately reflect the literary term used in this context.

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10. What is the term for learning about a character through that character's thoughts, words, and actions; physical descriptions; and how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him?

Explanation

Indirect characterization involves understanding a character through various indirect means, while the other options do not specifically relate to this method of revealing character traits.

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11. What type of character is convincing, true-to-life, with many personality traits?

Explanation

Round characters are complex and have many layers to their personalities, making them convincing and true-to-life. On the other hand, flat characters lack depth and are one-dimensional. Dynamic characters undergo significant internal change throughout the story, while stock characters are stereotypical and predictable.

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12. What type of character is stereotyped, shallow, and often symbolic, with only one or two personality traits?

Explanation

Flat characters lack depth and complexity, often serving a specific role in a story. They are easily recognizable by their consistent traits and predictable behaviors.

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13. What is the term used to describe the structure of a story where events and actions are arranged in a particular sequence?

Explanation

Plot refers to the sequence of events and actions in a story that make up the narrative structure, while theme, character, and setting are important elements of a story but do not specifically refer to the arrangement of events.

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14. What is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story called?

Explanation

In a story, conflict refers to the struggle between two opposing forces which drives the plot forward. This conflict creates tension and keeps the audience engaged in the story.

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15. What is the literary term for the perspective from which the story is told?

Explanation

The point of view refers to the vantage point from which a story is told, while character development, setting, and plot are other essential elements of storytelling.

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16. What is it called when an AUTHOR tells the story?

Explanation

In Third Person Omniscient point of view, the narrator is an all-knowing observer who can reveal thoughts and feelings of all characters. First Person is when a character within the story narrates using 'I'. Second Person Limited is when the narrator addresses the reader as 'you' and reveals thoughts and feelings of one character. Third Person Limited is when the narrator reveals thoughts and feelings of only one character.

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17. What is it called when a character in the story tells the story using 'he, she, it'?

Explanation

In third person limited point of view, the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character, while in first person the story is told from the perspective of 'I,' in second person the story is told from the perspective of 'you,' and in third person omniscient the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

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18. What is it called when a character in the story tells the story using 'I, me, mine, my'?

Explanation

In literature, when a character in the story narrates using 'I, me, mine, my', it is known as First Person point of view. This perspective provides readers with the character's personal thoughts and feelings.

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19. What literary term refers to the message of the story which usually contains some insight into the human condition by telling something about humans or life?

Explanation

In literature, the theme is the central idea or message that the author wants to convey to the reader. It often reflects on the human experience or provides commentary on life.

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20. What term is used to describe when something represents an idea, quality, or concept larger than itself?

Explanation

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, qualities, or concepts beyond their literal meaning. Metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. Allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

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21. What is a figure of speech that makes a reference to, or representation of, a place, event, literary work, myth, or work of art, either directly or by implication?

Explanation

An allusion is a brief reference to something else, while a simile compares two different things using 'like' or 'as', a metaphor directly states two things are similar, and hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration.

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22. What is a figure of speech concisely comparing two things, saying that one is the other? It uses a 'to be' verb to make the comparison:

Explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things, stating that one is the other. It does not use 'like' or 'as' in the comparison. Simile, on the other hand, is a figure of speech that compares two things using 'like' or 'as'. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Personification gives human-like qualities to non-human entities.

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23. What is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often introduced with the word 'like' or 'as'?

Explanation

A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. A metaphor also compares two unlike things but does not use 'like' or 'as'. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally. Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

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What are the five elements of plot?
What type of character does not change through the course of the...
What is the main character of a literary work called?
In a literary work, who is the character or force that is against the...
What type of character changes during the story, often as a result of...
What does the prefix 'narra-' in words like narrator, narrative,...
What three elements make up the setting of a story?
What are the five major types of conflict in a narrative work?
What literary term is used when we learn about a character through...
What is the term for learning about a character through that...
What type of character is convincing, true-to-life, with many...
What type of character is stereotyped, shallow, and often symbolic,...
What is the term used to describe the structure of a story where...
What is the dramatic struggle between two forces in a story called?
What is the literary term for the perspective from which the story is...
What is it called when an AUTHOR tells the story?
What is it called when a character in the story tells the story using...
What is it called when a character in the story tells the story using...
What literary term refers to the message of the story which usually...
What term is used to describe when something represents an idea,...
What is a figure of speech that makes a reference to, or...
What is a figure of speech concisely comparing two things, saying that...
What is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things, often...
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