Atmosphere

Mood (or atmosphere) refers to the general feeling you get when you read a story, and is usually established through details the author provides about the setting. Mood helps set expectations in the reader for what will happen in a story.

Basic situation

The first part of the plot, in which the author gives the reader details about characters and setting. The basic situation sets the stage for the story's central conflict.

Chronological order

The actions or events in a story are presented to the reader in the order in which they occur (in other words, the author doesn't use flashbacks or flash-forwards).

Climax

The highest point of interest or suspense in the story, the most intense moment of conflict.

Complication

The second part of the plot, in which the author introduces and develops the conflict.

Context

Surrounding setting that adds meaning to a topic.

Dénouement

The moment when all of the struggles are resolved and we know what has happened (or what will happen) to the main characters.

Details

Words or phrases that appeal to the senses - primarily sight, but also sound, touch, smell, taste - and that help the reader imagine the scene.

Exposition

The first part of the plot, in which the author gives the reader details about characters and setting. The basic situation sets the stage for the story's central conflict.

External conflict

A struggle between opposing forces. In an external conflict, the main character struggles with another character, with nature (a storm, a drought, and so on), or society (the expectations of a group or culture, and so on).

Flash-forward

An interruption in the chronological order of event. A flash-forward shows something that will happen later in the story.

Flashback

An interruption in the chronological order of event. A flashback shows something that happened earlier in the story.

Foreshadowing

Hints or suggestions that indicate what is going to happen in a story. Foreshadowing stimulates interest and suspense and helps prepare the reader for the outcome.

Imagery

Words or phrases that appeal to the senses (primarily sight, but also sound, touch, smell, and taste) and that help the reader imagine the scene.

Internal conflict

A struggle between opposing forces. In an internal conflict, the struggle occurs inside the character, in his or her mind.

Linking verb

Connects pronoun to proper name.

Mood

Atmosphere refers to the general feeling you get when you read a story, and is usually established through details the author provides about the setting. Mood helps set expectations in the reader for what will happen in a story.

Nominative form

The form that occurs when the pronoun refers to proper name.

Objective form

The form that occurs when the pronoun is the object of the sentence.

Personal narrative

A story where the author is the main character, such as a personal story about something that's happened in the author's life.

Plot

A series of related events that constitute "what happens" in a story.

Predict

To make a guess about what's going to happen based on observation or instinct.

Resolution

The moment when all of the struggles are resolved and we know what has happened (or what will happen) to the main characters.

Revise

Change or adjust.

Setting

The time and place (and sometimes the social or cultural environment) of a story.

Suspense

Full of mystery.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the characters and events in a story. Sometimes tone refers to the author's attitude toward the reader as well.

Acquiesce

To comply without protest.

Affray

A conflict or brawl.

Blandly

In a mild and soothing manner.

Bizarre

Odd in appearance.

Digress

Opposite of getting straight to the point.

Dispossess

To deprive of the possession.

Ennui

Boredom.

Futile

Hopeless.

Grotesque

A strange, unnatural appearance.

Hinder

To block the progress of something.

Indolence

Laziness.

Imprudent

Not wise, lacking good judgment.

Languor

Lack of physical or mental energy.

Marauder

One who roams in search of plunder.

Mirage

Unreal.

Palpable

Able to be felt or touched.

Pinioned

Held or pinned.

Precipitous

Extremely steep.

Protruding

Sticking out.

Scruples

Hesitant to do wrong.

Skirling

A shrill wailing sound.

Unruffled

Smooth, calm, or poised.

Wont

Likely.