Definitions

Direct characterization is when the reader is told about how the character is outright in the text. Indirect characterization is when the reader is told of the characters actions, words or thoughts and is left to devise how the character is instead.

Direct characterization tells, whereas indirect characterization shows.

Historical setting helps to provide the context of a story. For example, historical setting would give the reader some details about time period, the society in which the story takes place, etc.

The perspective through which a story is told

Though writers use the plot mountain as guideline, they sometimes stray from it as they write.

A character sees something strange that later turns out to be important.

Objects can carry larger implications about people and situations.

Poetry that does not conform to a traditional structure

They create the sense of a real world in which the story takes place.

The problem that may be resolved

A sense that the story unfolds clearly and with energy

A young man runs down a city sidewalk, sweating and panting.

They find complexity beyond the image's common meaning.

White sailboats on dark water - Apex

A point in the story that shows something that happened earlier.

Katie sensed a peaceful feeling come over her as she stared out the window at the lightning storm --APEX

The ending will be surprising but may also disappoint or confuse the reader.

Creative writing based on real life