Literary Terms

Refers to meaning that is implied by a word apart from the thing which it describes explicitly.

The sequence of events in a literary work.

All-knowing perspective

Main character with the conflict

Character tells the story using "I"

The end of the story; the conflict's questions are answered

Numerous characteristics; seems like a real person

A struggle within a character

Hints or clues to indicate events that will occur later in the story

A struggle within a character

Author states or describes character's traits or appearance

A character who undergoes an important change as a result of the plot's conflict

Statement appears to be self-contradictory or silly but may include latent truth.

Author shows character's personality or appearance rather than telling reader.

Struggle between characters or forces; provides interest, suspense, and tension

Location and time of story

Reference to a historical event, person, or literary work

Mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered too harsh or blunt.

Occurs when two contradictory words are together in one phrase.

The part of plot that introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation.

Character or force causing the conflict

Use of exaggeration for emphasis.

The literal meaning of a word.

Occurring toward the end of the story; the critical point of action of the main conflict

Central idea of concern in a literary work

Anything standing for a concept outside of itself