Literary Terminology

the method of narrating a short story, novel, narrative poem, or work of nonfiction

the time and place of the action of the story

Onomatopoeia- the use of words whose sounds suggest their meaning

Mystery-type of fiction dealing with the solution of a problem or crime

Conflict- the struggle between opposing forces

Symbol- a person, place, or object which stands for something other than itself

Historical fiction- contemporary fiction that is set in the future

type of fiction that creates a truthful imitation of ordinary life

the characters who interact with the main characters and help move the story along

Metaphor- figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things that are basically unlike

descriptive words and phrases that re-create sensory impressions for the reader and appeal to the 5 senses

Plot-the sequence of events in a story

Resolution- the conflict is resolved and all loose ends are tied up

Parts of the story- the components which work together to build a work of prose

A conversation, an episode, or an event that happened before the beginning of the story

Simile-figure of speech that makes a comparison between two things which are unlike using the words “like” or “as”

Mood- the feeling or atmosphere that the writer creates

Dynamic character:A character who plays a minor or background role in the plot

Irony- the contrast between what is expected or appears to be and what actually is

Rising action- the events in the story that move the plot along by reduce complications

Tone- the attitude a writer takes toward his/her subject

 a type of literature characterized by a particular style, form, or content

Falling action- the events after the climax which begin to resolve the conflict

Poetry- type of literature in which words are chosen and arranged to create a certain effect

Theme--the main idea in a work of literature

prose writing that deals with real people, events, and places

figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to an object, animal, or idea

The writer’s use of hints or clues to indicate events and situation which will occur later

Static character-a character who change a lot throughout the story

Figures of speech--language that communicates ideas beyond the ordinary, literal meanings of words