AP English Literature & Composition · Unit 4 · Plot structure, narrative arc, genre conventions, experimental forms
Structure, Form & Genre: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
20 flashcard terms for AP English Literature & Composition Unit 4, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 5-question quiz — free, no account needed.
Study this unit free →
Genre Literary category defined by form, style, and conventions (novel, drama, poetry, short story).
Structure Organization and arrangement of parts in a literary work; affects pacing and meaning.
Narrative Structure Framework organizing a story: chronological, flashback, frame narrative, or stream of consciousness.
Act Major division of a drama; plays often have 3-5 acts separating key developments.
Scene Subdivision of an act in a play; specific time and location for dramatic action.
Sonnet 14-line poem with specific rhyme scheme and meter; Petrarchan (Italian) or Shakespearean (English).
Stanza Grouped lines in poetry forming a unit, equivalent to a paragraph in prose.
Meter Rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in poetry.
Rhyme Scheme Pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in poetry, noted with letters (ABAB, AABB).
Free Verse Poetry without regular meter or rhyme scheme; emphasizes natural speech patterns.
Exposition Opening section providing background information and introducing characters and setting.
Rising Action Events building tension and complexity leading toward a climax.
Climax Moment of highest tension; turning point where the outcome becomes inevitable.
Falling Action Events following climax resolving conflicts and moving toward conclusion.
Resolution Conclusion showing final outcome and providing closure to conflicts.
Subplot Secondary plot running parallel to main plot; adds complexity and thematic depth.
Foil Character whose qualities contrast with another to highlight differences and themes.
Dramatic Irony Audience knows something characters don't, creating tension or humor.
Soliloquy Speech where character alone on stage reveals inner thoughts to audience.
Aside Remark by character not heard by other characters; reveals private thoughts.
Turn these into flashcards & quizzes →
More AP English Literature & Composition guides
Crammy is a free all-in-one study hub for AP, A-Level, GCSE, IB and test prep — flashcards, quizzes, practice exams, an AI tutor, and adaptive study sessions. Start studying free .
SAT® and AP® are registered trademarks of the College Board. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None is affiliated with, sponsors, or endorses Crammy, and none has reviewed our practice material. All questions and explanations here are original. Legal & attributions .