The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. Ex. When Little Red Riding Hood comments on the wolf's nose, eyes, ears, and teeth, and he responds by swallowing her in one big gulp.

A person (or animal) in a story. Ex. Harry Potter, Lord Voldemort, Ron Weasley, etc.

The telling of a story in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama; one of the four modes of discourse. Ex. "Looking back on a childhood filled with events and memories, I find it rather difficult to pick on that leaves me with the fabled "warm and fuzzy feelings."

The use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot. Ex. "Our hero is in a Wild West saloon. The hero walks in and orders a drink. Over in the corner, the bad guy watches him drink. As the hero leaves, the bad guy spits on the floor (what do you think will happen?)."

A recurring theme, subject or idea. Ex. An author frequently touching on dark vs. light or good versus evil. A candle could represent a light in darkness, or storm clouds could represent temporary darkness.

A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. Ex. Draco Malfoy, the Joker, the White Witch, Captain Hook.

Main character of a story. Ex. Simba, Elsa, Ariel (Little Mermaid), Cinderella, Pocahontas, Wreck it Ralph.

A struggle between opposing forces. Ex. person against person, person against nature, person against self, person against society, person vs. technology, person vs. supernatural.

The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic. Ex. The _________ of the Lion King is that life is constantly changing, using the motif of the circle of life. One day you're born, then you're a child, then you fly the nest and become an adult, then you become a parent yourself, and the circle starts all over again.

The act of creating and developing a character. Ex. "Joe was motivated by money. He had no use for love or family."

A scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story. "As Keri cut up the tiny pieces of paper, she thought about being a child making making crafts with her mother."

Uncertainty or anxiety the reader feels about what is going to happen next in a story. Ex. In Toy Story 3 when Woody and his friends think they might die in an incinerator. Will they make it!?