Allusion A brief reference to a person, place, or event outside the story.

Antihero A protagonist lacking traditional heroic qualities.

Antagonis The being or force that antagonizes the protagonist.

Arc The evolution/growth for a plot or character from start to end.

ARC Readers Readers who provide review for a book they receive prior to release.

Archetypes Universal symbols, characters, themes, or motifs in literature.

Backstory Events that occurred before the main narrative.

Beat A clear shift in the narrative like a turning point or key event.

Beta Readers Test readers for a manuscript who provide feedback.

Blurb A brief & enticing pitch of the book.

Catalyst An event that sets the plot in motion.

Characterization The process of developing and revealing a character’s traits.

Cliffhanger An ending to a scene/chapter/book where the conflict is unresolved.

Climax The most intense turning point of the story.

Conflict The central struggle between opposing forces.

Denouement The resolution or conclusion of the story.

Dialogue Conversation between characters.

Dialogue Tag A short phrase that identifies who is speaking.

Diction The choice of words and style of expression.

Dynamic Character A character who undergoes significant internal change.

Epilogue A section that follows the main story, showing aftermath or future events.

Exposition The portion of a story where essential background & context is provided.

Flashback A scene set in an earlier time than the main story.

Foil A character who contrasts with another to highlight traits.

Foreshadowing Hints or clues about events that will happen later.

Genre A category of literature defined by style or subject.

Genre Convention Common elements or expectations associated with a specific genre.

Hook An opening that grabs the reader’s attention.

Imagery Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Inciting Incident The event that disrupts the status quo and begins the story.

Internal Conflict A psychological struggle within a character.

Irony A contrast between expectation and reality.

Juxtaposition Placing elements side by side for contrast.

Logline A one-sentence summary of a story’s premise.

Metaphor A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”

Mood The emotional atmosphere of a story.

Motif A recurring element that has symbolic significance.

Narrator The voice that tells the story.

Onomatopoeia Words that imitate sounds.

Outline A structured plan of a story’s events.

Pacing The speed at which a story unfolds.

Personification Giving human traits to non-human things.

Plot The sequence of events in a story.

Plot Twist An unexpected turn in the narrative.

Point of View The perspective from which a story is told.

Premise The basic concept or foundation of a story.

Prologue An introductory section before the main story.

Protagonist The main character driving the story.

Red Herring A misleading clue meant to distract readers.

Resolution The point where conflicts are resolved.

Rising Action Events that build tension leading to the climax.

Satire The use of humor or exaggeration to critique.

Showing VS Telling A writing technique where “showing” uses actions, dialogue, and sensory details to convey meaning, while “telling” states information directly.

Simile A comparison using “like” or “as.”

Static or Flat Character A character who does not change significantly.

Subplot A secondary storyline that supports the main plot or character arc.

Suspense The feeling of anticipation or tension.

Symbolism Using objects or elements to represent deeper meaning.

Syntax The arrangement of words and phrases.

Theme The central message or idea of a story.

Tone The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Tragedy A story with a sorrowful or serious outcome.

Trope A common or recurring storytelling device.

Voice The unique style or perspective of the writer.

Word Count The total number of words in a manuscript.

Worldbuilding The creation of a fictional universe.