Lit Terms 3

A person, place, or object that represents an abstract idea or something beyond itself.

Characters who are simple and one dimensional

A reason that explains, or partially explains a character's thoughts, feelings, actions, or speech.

A recurring subject, theme, or idea in a literary work

The use of a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its literal or usual meaning.

A form of extended metaphor in which things in a narrative are equated with meanings that lay outside the story itself

Characters who stay the same throughout the story

Characters that develop and grow throughout the course of the story

A message about life or human nature that the writer shares with the reader

When a person uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning

Qualities, attitudes, and values that a character possesses

A message about life that is expressed regularly in many different cultures and time periods.

Author subtly reveals character through actions, dialogue, and interactions.

An outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected

The generally accepted importance of a work representing a given culture

The acronym STEAL stands for Speech, Thoughts, Effects on Others, Actions, and Looks.

Characters who have depth, are complex, and fully developed

Author tells/states what a character is like

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, event, or literary work.