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Genre  Children's literature, Young adult literature

Narrator 

The narration is told in the author's voice, but the point of view is clearly Jess's.

Protagonist 

Jess, and secondarily, Leslie

Antagonist 

There is no clearly defined antagonist in Bridge to Terabithia; the closest thing would be society and its pressures to conform.

Tense 

Past

Setting (time) 

The late 1970s

Setting (place) 

Lark Creek, a rural area in the South; specifics are never given

Point of View 

The point of view throughout the story is Jess's.

Climax 

The moment when Jess returns from his trip to Washington with Miss Edmunds to find that Leslie has drowned.

Falling action 

The last chapter, when the Burkes move away and Jess builds the bridge to Terabithia.

Foreshadowing 

There is not too much foreshadowing in Bridge to Terabithia, but there is one moment when May Belle, agitated because she believes Leslie's lack of faith in the Bible means she is going to hell, repeats over and over, "But Leslie, what if you die? What if you die?"

Tone 

The tone of the writing is, in general, colloquial and understated.

Themes 

Friendship; childhood; conformity and individuality; fear

Motifs 

Religion; gender roles; education

Symbols 

The creek; the rope over the creek; Terabithia; the bridge to Terabithia

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Popular pages: Bridge to Terabithia

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