exposition
The beginning of the story where we meet the characters and learn the setting
rising action
the events that build up the problem leading to the main event
climax
the most pivotal moment in the story, when the major problem is finally faced
falling action
the events that happen right after the climax as things start to wind down
resolution
the ending of the story where the problem is solved and things conclude
plot
the sequence of events in a story from beginning to end
conflict
the problems faced by the character
flashback
when the story goes back in time to show something important
theme
life lesson the author is teaching with the story
chronological order
events occurring in time order
protagonist
the main character (hero/heroine)
antagonist
the character or force working against the main character
subplot
a smaller storyline inside the main plot
foreshadowing
hints about what will happen later