Literary Elements

The time and place of a story which may include weather, landscape and sensory experiences.

Persons — or animals or natural forces represented as persons — in a work of literature.

Main character in a story who is often a hero.

A character or force in conflict with the main character

The sequence of events in a literary work

Introduction to the main characters, setting and/or the conflict.

Events leading up to the climax

Most exciting moment of the story; turning point

Events that occur after the climax and lead up to closure and conclusion of the story.

End of the story where loose ends are tied up

A struggle between opposing forces

A conflict involving opposing forces within a person's mind. Man vs. Self

Struggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force such as nature or another character, Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, Man vs Society

A universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.

An essential technique used in literature (e.g., characterization, setting, plot, theme).