Elements of Literature
Study Guide
1. Define each of the following terms.
a. Setting: the time place, and social environment in which the story occurs
b. Characters: a person, animal, or imaginary creature that plays a role in the story
c. Plot: the structure of the action of the story
d. Exposition: gives background of characters, setting, and initial conflict
e. Climax: the most intense or crucial moment or event when tensions reach a peak; resolution in
sight.
f. Conflict: the clash between opposing forces
g. Theme: the major idea or proposition intertwined throughout the entire scope of a literary
work or other work of art
h. Foreshadowing: the technique of giving clues to coming events in a narrative
i. Flashback: an interruption of the action to present events that took place at an earlier time
2. What does the social environment of setting deal with?
The social environment is culture that a character was educated and/or lives in and deals with things like the
norms of that society—what is right, wrong, acceptable, tolerated. It also deals with the class the character
grew up in or is in—wealthy, poor, middle class, etc.
3. What does motivation mean? Why is it important to look at a character’s motivation?
Motivation is the reason why he or she acts, feels, or things in a certain way.
It is important to look at a character’s motivation because it can help you understand why a character does or
thinks the way he/she does.
4. Dynamic characters (change, remain the same).
5. Round characters are (complex, easy to summarize).
6. A stock character is (unique and original, stereotyped).
7. Who is the protagonist of a story?
The protagonist is the central character who engages our interest and sympathy—also known as the hero.
8. Who is the antagonist of a story?
The antagonist is the force opposing the protagonist; catalyst characters that causes the initial conflict. The
antagonist does not necessarily need to be human.
9. What are the three of the five things we discussed to look at when analyzing a character?
a. Physical traits
b. Motivations
c. Actions or reactions
d. Relationships
e. Personality
10. What does characterization mean?
Characterization means the techniques writers use to create characters. Four basic methods of developing a
character are:
1. describing physical appearance
2. through a character’s own speech, thoughts, or actions
3. By what other characters think or say about a character
4. direct comments made by the author about a character’s nature.
11. A theme is
a. Stated in a complete sentence.
b. A view, message, idea about life or human behavior.
c. Stated generally.
d. All of the above.
12. What is one aspect of a novel to look at to help you determine theme?
Possible answers
1. the title of the story
2. repeated patters and symbols
3. allusions made throughout the story
4. important phrases and statements about ideas like courage and freedom
5. the ways the characters change and the lessons they learn about life
6. asking “What does the story reveal?”
13. Which is a well-stated theme?
a. When faced with a life-threatening decision, people will show their true selfish nature
through the choices they make.
b. Suzie made a selfish decision to save her own life in the story.
14. What are two reasons an author uses foreshadowing?
a. To create interest
b. To add suspense to the story
15. Why are flashbacks useful in literature?
Flashbacks provide information that helps readers understand a character’s current situation.
16. Which is an example of a flashback?
a.
“What’s wrong with you this morning?” Shelly asked me.
I hesitated remembering he phone call.
“Mr. Jones? I’m sorry to be the one to tell you that your son was picked up for
drugs last night.”
“Billy? Are you sure? He…he couldn’t. There’s a mistake.”
“Again, I’m sorry, but he is waiting here for someone to come pick him up.”
I snapped back to the conference room and looked Shelly in the eye.
“Nothing. Nothing is wrong.”
b.
“What’s wrong with you this morning?” Shelly asked me.
I hesitated remembering the phone call. I had received a message that Billy had been
arrested for drugs. The news was shocking.
“Nothing. Nothing is wrong.”
17. Explain your answer to #17.
In the first answer (a) the story is actually interrupted and goes back in time. As readers, we get to see the
phone call and conversation unfold before our eyes like it is actually happening right now. Then the story
comes back to the actual current time.
In the second answer (b), the story is not interrupted to actually go back in time. The character just remembers
the past.
18. What are the four types of conflict?
Internal
a. Character vs self
External
b. Character vs character
c. Character vs nature
d. Character vs society
19. Where does the climax almost always occur in a short story or novel?
The climax almost always occurs very close to the end of the story.
20. Label each part of the plot map below using the following terms: climax, conflict, exposition,
falling action, resolution, rising action, and theme.
1. exposition
2. conflict
3. rising action
4. climax
5. falling action
6. resolution
7. theme
4
7
3 5
6
1 2