Writing Aids

• Setting- The time and place in which the story happens. Authors often use descriptions of landscape, scenert, buildings, seasons, or weather to provide a strong sense of setting.
• Exposition- The introductory material which gives the setting, creates the tone, presents the characters and other facts necessary to understanding the story
• Plot-A series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict.
• Foreshadowing- The use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in the story.
• Inciting Force-the event or character that triggers the conflict.
• Conflict- The essence of fiction. It creates plot. The conflict we encounter can usually be identified as one of four kinds. ( Man versusman, nature, society, or self.
• Rising action- A series of events that builds from the conflict. It begins with the inciting force and ends with climax.
• Crisis- The conflict reaches a turning point. At this point the opposing forces in the story meet and the conflict becomes more intense. The crisis occurs before or at the same time as the climax.
• Climax-The climax is the result of the crisis. It is the high point of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted
• Falling Action-The events after the climax which close the story.
• Resolution (denouement)- Rounds out and concludes the action.
• Characterization
• Major characters- Always round or three dimensional, have good and bad qualities. Their goals, ambitions, and values change. A round character changes as a result of what happens to him or her. A character who changes inside as a result of what happens to him is referred to in literature as a dynamic character, who also grows or progresses to a higher level of understanding in the course of the story.
• Protagonist-The main character in the story
• Antagonist- The character or force that opposes the protagonist.
• Foil- A character who provides a contrast to the protagonist.
• Minor Characters-Almost always flat or two dimensional characters. They have only one or two stricking qualities. The predominant quality is not balanced by an opposing quality. They are usually all good or all bad. Such characters can be amusing or interesting in their own right, but lack depth. Flat characters are sometimes referred to as Static characters because they do not change in the course of the story.
• Point of View
• First Person- The narrator is character who can only reveal what he or she sees, hears, thinks, and is told by other characters. Cannot tell the thoughts of other characters.
• Third Person Obective- The narrator is an outsider who can only report what he or she sees and hears. Can tell what is happening, but not the thoughts of the characters.
• Third Person Limited- The narrator is an all knowing outsider who can enter the minds of more than one of the characters.
• Conflict- the essence of fiction, creates the plot. Four types:
• Man versus Man- One person against another.
• Man versus Nature- a run-in with the forces of nature. Expresses the insignificance of a single human life in the cosmic scheme of things. On the other hand, it tests the limits of a person's strenght and will to live.
• Man versus Society-The values and customs by which everyone elses lives are being challenged. The character may come to an untimely end as a result of his or her own convictions. The character may bring others around to a sympathetic point of view, or decide society was right after all.
• Man versus Self- Internal conflict. A good test of a character's values. Does he give in to temptation or rise above it? Does he demand the most from himself or settle for something less? Does he even bother to struggle? The internal conflicts of a character and how they are resolved are clues to the characters inner strength.
• Foreshadowing- The author's use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur. Not always obvious. It serves two purposes, raises suspence and makes the narrative more believable by preparing the reader for what will happen.
• Irony- Contrast between what is expected and what actually is.
• Verbal Irony- Contrast between what is said and what is meant. 
• Situational Irony- What actually happens oppsed to what is intended or expected.
• Dramatic Irony- Occurs when the audience or reader knows more than the characters know.
• Tone- The author's attitude, stated or implied toward a subject. Some possible attitudes are pessimism, earnestness, seriousness, bitterness, humorous, and joyful. Revealed though word choice and details.
• Mood- the climate of feeling in a literary work. The choice of setting, objects, details, images, and words all contribute towards creating a specific mood. For example, an author may create a mood of mystery around a character or setting but may treat that character or setting in a ironic, serious, or humourous tine.
• Symbolism- A person, place or object which has a meaning in itself, but suggests other meanings as well. Anything that suggests a meaning beyond the obvious.
• Theme- The main idea or underlying meaning if a literary work. May be stated or implied and differs from the subject or topic in that it involves a statement or opinion about the topic. For example the subject man be war, while the theme might be the idea that war is useless. Not every work involves a theme. Themes can be expressed by:
• The way the author makes us feel; share feelings with the character and ideas that go through his mind.
• Thoughts and conversations. Author's put words in th character's mouths for reasons.
• Suggested through characters. what does the character learn in the course of the story?
• The actions or events in the story. What does the character's actions say?
• Imagery- Language that appeals to the senses.
• Figurative Language- When you describe something by comparing it to something else. Goes beyond the literal meaning of words:
• Simile- "Like" or "as"
• Metaphor- "is"
• Alliteration- Repeated consonant sounds occuring at the begining or within words. Peter Piper Picked...
•  Personification- A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, object, or idea.
• Onomatopeia- Words that mimic sounds "Pop"
• Hyperbole- An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect; he's like 1,000 years old.