Literary Terms

The point of maximum interest or tension or the turning point of the story

A work with two levels of meaning—a literal one and a symbolic one.

The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of a word

The exposure of the vices or follies of an individual, group, institution, etc. usually with a view to correcting it

A secondary character who contrasts with a major character.

The way an author presents characters.

The writer uses hints or clues to suggest events that will occur later in the story (through dialogue, behavior, etc.)

This follows the climax and shows the result of the important decision or action that happened (the tension eases)

Classified as round and dynamic or flat and static

The character is described by the author, the narrator or other characters

A person, place, object, or activity that stands for something else

The perspective from which the story is told

The discrepency between what is said and what is meant.

The backdrop or the time and geographic location within the story (when and where).

A category of artistic composition (music,literature) characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter

A brief reference to a person, event, place, or phrase and the writer assumes will recognize the reference.

An account of a conversation, an episode, or an event that happened before the beginning of a story.

A figure of speech that makes a comparisson between two things that that are not alike (does not use "like" or "as")

This is the type of conflict that occurs within a character (mentally, emotionally, etc.)

An unexpected plot twist at the end of the story, especially if it changes one's view of preceeding events of the story

The part of the story after the characters and the setting are introduced (creates suspense)

A struggle between opposing forces. Almost every story has this (usually the story's main focus)

a pattern in literature found in a variety of works from different cultures throughout the ages

The opponent, may be society, nature, a person or an aspect of the protagonist

Involves a character pitted against an outside force, such as nature, a physical obstacle, or another character.

A fictional character (sometimes a mask or alter ego of the author)

The first stage of a typical story plot (typically includes background information and setting).

The main character who is not neccessarily the hero or heroine

The character who lacks or seems to lack heroic traits

The unfolding or solution of a complicated issue (the conflict) in a story.

An abstract concept explored in a literary work (play, book, movie)

The character's traits are revealed by action and speech