Action and Events
Plot
The sequence of events and actions in a literary work
Structure
The pattern formed by the events and actions in a literary work
- Introduction: The beginning of a work, which usually suggests the setting (time and place) and shows on or more of the main characters.
- Complications: Events or actions that establish the conflict in a literary work.
- Climax: The turning point, often signified by a character’s making a significant decision or taking action to resolve a conflict.
- Conclusion: The ending of a work, which often shows the effects of the climactic action or decision.
Conflict
A struggle between internal and/or external forces in a literary work.
Irony of Situation
A discrepancy between what is said and what is done or between what is expected and what actually happens.
Adapted from:
Stanford, Judith. Responding to Literature: Stories, Poems, Plays, and Essays. 4th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill. 2003.