Literary Elements and Vocabulary for Enhanced Storytelling

Literary Elements

Atmosphere

The feeling, emotion, or mood an author creates.

Point of View

Refers to who is narrating the story.

Theme

The "big idea" or critical belief the author conveys.

Foreshadowing

A literary device that hints at future events.

Irony

The contrast between expectations and reality.

Moral

Lessons learned from a story.

Connotation

The implied meaning of a word beyond its literal definition.

Story Components

Characters

Individuals in the story. The author should create characters with specific details. The main character drives the plot, while other characters provide additional context.

Setting

The location of the action. The author should describe the environment and surroundings.

Plot

The story itself, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It includes necessary descriptions, suspense, and exposition.

Conflict

The problem to be solved. The plot centers on this conflict and how characters attempt to resolve it.

Resolution

The solution to the conflict. It's crucial that the resolution fits the narrative.

Vocabulary

• To gasp: To speak breathlessly
• To shriek: To cry loudly
• To stare: To look at something for a long time
• Scarves: A piece of fabric worn around the neck
• To wrap: To enclose in something
• Wickedness: Evil or morally wrong behavior
• To faint: To lose consciousness briefly
• Wrinkled: Having creases or folds
• Sharply: Suddenly and abruptly
• To sigh: To exhale audibly, expressing tiredness, relief, or sadness
• To glare: To stare angrily
• To bundle: To wrap something up
• To drag: To pull something heavy
• To pour: To transfer liquid from one container to another
• To growl: To make a low, guttural sound
• Swift: Quick or rapid
• Eerie: Strange and unsettling
• Clumsy: Awkward in movement or handling things
• Self-conscious: Aware of oneself and one's actions
• Posh: Elegant and fashionable
• Idyllic: Ideal or perfect
• Hesitantly: With uncertainty or reluctance
• Customs: The official department that collects taxes on goods
• To flee: To run away from danger
• Hint: An indirect suggestion
• To zip: To close with a zipper
• To seek: To search for something
• Wise: Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment
• Plaited: Braided
• Hesitantly: With hesitation
• To indulge: To allow oneself to enjoy something
• Puzzled: Confused
• Overcrowded: Filled with too many people
• Excruciating: Extremely painful
• Heap: A large pile
• Change of heart: A change in one's feelings or intentions