Embedded Files
Storytelling Elements
Plot
What happens in the story — the sequence of events from beginning to end.
Example: A woman returns to her hometown to solve the mystery of her grandfather’s death.
Think: "What happens next?"
Character
Who the story is about — the people (or sometimes animals, etc.) who act, change, or grow.
Example: Tonya, a determined single mom who’s trying to protect her family while uncovering secrets.
Think: "Whose story is this?"
Theme
What the story is really about — the deeper meaning or message.
Example: Forgiveness, identity, power, betrayal, grief, resilience.
Think: "Why does this story matter?"
Premise
The setup — a one-sentence summary of the story's main idea.
Example: A young woman discovers her family's darkest secret after finding a hidden altar in her grandmother’s closet.
Think: "What if...?"
Prose
How the story is told — the actual writing style, word choice, sentence flow.
Example: Lyrical and emotional, or sharp and fast-paced.
Think: "How does it sound?"
COMMON STORYTELLING TERMS
Core Storytelling Elements
Term
Meaning
Plot
The sequence of events that make up the story.
Character
The people (or beings) who drive the story forward.
Setting
Where and when the story takes place.
Theme
The central message or underlying meaning of the story.
Conflict
The problem or challenge the characters face.
Resolution
How the conflict is solved or how the story ends.
Premise
A one-sentence summary of the story’s concept.
Narrative Structure Terms
Term
Meaning
Exposition
The beginning—introduces characters, setting, and background.
Rising Action
The tension builds as the conflict develops.
Climax
The turning point—where everything comes to a head.
Falling Action
The events that follow the climax, leading to resolution.
Denouement
The final wrap-up or ending.
Character-Related Terms
Term
Meaning
Protagonist
The main character (hero).
Antagonist
The force or character in opposition to the protagonist.
Foil
A character who contrasts with the protagonist to highlight traits.
Flat Character
A simple character with few traits.
Round Character
A well-developed, complex character.
Dynamic Character
A character who changes throughout the story.
Static Character
A character who stays the same.
Style and Technique Terms
Term
Meaning
Prose
The style of writing (word choice, sentence structure, tone).
Voice
The unique sound/personality of the narrator or author.
Point of View (POV)
Who is telling the story (1st person, 3rd person, etc.).
Dialogue
What characters say to each other.
Tone
The author's attitude (serious, sarcastic, romantic, etc.).
Mood
The emotional atmosphere (creepy, joyful, tense).
Foreshadowing
Clues about what will happen later.
Flashback
A scene set in the past.
Symbolism
When an object or event represents something deeper.
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