Literary Elements Test

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Trecasme
T
Trecasme
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 3,538
| Attempts: 3,546
Quiz Lesson
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/10 Questions

    Which element involves the struggle between opposing forces?

    • Character
    • Setting
    • Conflict
    • Symbol
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Are you ready to challenge your understanding of literature? Take our Literary Elements Test and delve into the core components that make stories compelling. This quiz will test your knowledge of essential literary concepts like character development, setting, plot, and themes, key elements that every great story relies on.

Designed for both avid readers and students, this quiz offers a way to assess how well you grasp the narrative techniques and structures used by authors to engage and move their readers. Each question is crafted to make you think critically about the stories you read and why they work effectively. Get ready to identify and interpret the building blocks of narrative that define great writing.

Literary Elements Test - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    Who is typically in conflict with the protagonist?

    • Companion

    • Antagonist

    • Audience

    • Sidekick

    Correct Answer
    A. Antagonist
    Explanation
    The "Antagonist" is typically the character who opposes the protagonist, presenting challenges and obstacles that complicate the narrative. This character is crucial for developing the central conflict and testing the protagonist, often acting as a catalyst for their development. The antagonist is not necessarily villainous; their role is to provide contrast and highlight the themes and issues central to the narrative.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    What element describes the time and location of a story?

    • Theme

    • Setting

    • Plot

    • Conflict

    Correct Answer
    A. Setting
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Setting," which describes the time and location where a story takes place. This element is crucial as it provides the backdrop against which the narrative unfolds, influencing characters' behaviors, the plot's progression, and the mood of the story. The setting can vary from historical periods to futuristic landscapes, each shaping the story's context and how readers perceive the events and characters within it. A well-defined setting helps immerse readers in the world the author has created, making it a foundational component of storytelling.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    What technique involves a shift to a previous point in time?

    • Flashforward

    • Metaphor

    • Flashback

    • Hyperbole

    Correct Answer
    A. Flashback
    Explanation
    "Flashback" is a narrative technique that allows writers to take the reader back in time to past events, providing background or context to the current events of the story. This technique is useful for revealing important aspects of a character's past that help to explain their motivations, personality, and relationships. It can also add suspense or deepen emotional connections to the characters by allowing readers to witness crucial formative moments.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    Which element defines the sequence of events in a story?

    • Setting

    • Mood

    • Character

    • Plot

    Correct Answer
    A. Plot
    Explanation
    The sequence of events that make up a story is known as the "Plot." This element is the engine of the narrative, structured around a series of events that are strategically revealed to maintain suspense and build towards a climax. The plot is critical for maintaining the reader's interest and guiding them through the story's emotional journey. It involves the setup, conflict introduction, climax, and resolution, each of which plays a vital role in storytelling.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    What do we call the main character of a story?

    • Antagonist

    • Protagonist

    • Foil

    • Narrator

    Correct Answer
    A. Protagonist
    Explanation
    The "Protagonist" is the main character around whom the story revolves. Typically, this character faces the central conflict and undergoes significant development throughout the narrative. The protagonist's actions, motivations, and growth are crucial in driving the plot forward and engaging the reader's empathy and interest. Characters in this role are often complex and multifaceted, allowing the audience to see a reflection of human experiences and emotions through their journey.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    What is the underlying message of a story?

    • Plot

    • Theme

    • Setting

    • Dialogue

    Correct Answer
    A. Theme
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Setting," which describes the time and location where a story takes place. This element is crucial as it provides the backdrop against which the narrative unfolds, influencing characters' behaviors, the plot's progression, and the mood of the story. The setting can vary from historical periods to futuristic landscapes, each shaping the story's context and how readers perceive the events and characters within it. A well-defined setting helps immerse readers in the world the author has created, making it a foundational component of storytelling.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    What literary element uses an object to represent an idea?

    • Metaphor

    • Symbol

    • Flashback

    • Alliteration

    Correct Answer
    A. Symbol
    Explanation
    A "Symbol" is an object, character, figure, or color used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. It adds a layer of meaning to the story, enriching the narrative by connecting the surface tale to deeper themes and issues. Symbols can be as straightforward as a flag representing freedom or as complex as an ocean symbolizing life's vast potential. Effective use of symbolism can deepen readers' understanding of the narrative and encourage them to engage more deeply with the text.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    What term describes the feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates?

    • Tone

    • Mood

    • Style

    • Voice

    Correct Answer
    A. Mood
    Explanation
    "Mood" is the emotional feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader using descriptive language, setting, tone, and theme. The mood influences how the reader feels about the text as they read. It is crafted through careful word choice and detailed descriptions and can vary throughout the story to reflect changes in the narrative's emotional landscape. Setting a strong mood is essential for immersing readers and providing an emotional impact.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    How is the narrator’s attitude toward the subject described?

    • Tone

    • Style

    • Voice

    • Perspective

    Correct Answer
    A. Tone
    Explanation
    "Tone" refers to the author's attitude towards the subject matter or the audience, conveyed through the choice of words and the viewpoint from which the story is told. Tone can be formal, informal, intimate, solemn, somber, playful, serious, ironic, or condescending, among others. Understanding the tone helps readers grasp the narrative's nuances and the author's intended emphasis, influencing how the story is perceived and interpreted.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 18, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 22, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Trecasme
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.