Literary Terms and Figurative Language Glossary

the beginning of the story and introduces the setting, tone, and main character(s)

If a character struggles to decide if his actions were wrong, which conflict category is this? 

The wind whispered her name is an example of...

the events that occur after (and typically as a result of) the climax

the repetition of images, actions, symbols, individuals, or ideas throughout a story

way an author reveals character traits as well as a character’s motivations and relationships

when the story’s current events are interrupted and an event from the past is told

The teens are protesting a raise in the driving age is an example of man vs. _____ conflict. 

Jim is arguing with Sammy over the last pop tart is and example of man vs. _____ conflict.

the time and place in which the story takes place

You forgot to study for the test and ended up getting the highest grade in the class is...

It costs an arm and a leg is an example of...

the development of the conflict leading up to the climax

the event in the story that introduces the conflict

a character who experiences a change in personality or beliefs throughout the story

the narrator is limited to the thoughts of one or a few characters

the main character(s) who faces conflict

the perspective of the narrator (the person who tells the story)

He laughs like a donkey is an example of... 

I thought wrecking my car was the worst that could happen. I was wrong. is an example of...

She is a cheetah when she runs is an example of...

fully developed character

the mood of a story

the story’s central idea and/or author’s universal message; not stated in one word

jumbo shrimp is an example of...

"Mix two cups of flour with one cup of water." - which point of view is this? 

She sells sea shells by the sea shore is an example of...

a character who does not experience change in the story

"I told Timmy I'm going to the movies" - which point of view is this? 

The school closed because the internet was out all day is an example of man vs. ____ conflict. 

 the events of the story, it follows a specific structure 

The copper sun sunk below the majestic purple mountains is an example of...

contrasting images that are used to describe the same person, place, or thing

a reference to a significant person, event, time, or piece of literature

My mom will have a cow when she sees my grade! is an example of...

the character(s) who opposes the main character by creating or furthering conflict

If a character is fighting with another character, which conflict category does this belong? 

a character who is not developed much

the culmination of the conflict

Boom! is an example of...

a dove represents peace is an example of...

the narrator knows everything about every character

The sailor is stuck on a boat during a hurricane is and example of man vs. _____ conflict. 

"Sally gave Katie a cookie after school." - which point of view is this? 

the turning point of the story; all subsequent events occur as a result of this event