INTRO - LITERARY TERMS

Sequence of events in a story, which includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution

The part of a story where the final outcome is revealed (which doesn't always happen).

Person in a story who remains the same from the beginning to the end, no change.

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning, hints and clues . . . a good educated guess.

Occurs as complications, twists, or intensifications of the conflict occur during the plot of a story.

The writer reveals a character’s personality through the character’s words and actions

A play on two or more meanings of the same word or two different words with the same sound. (dreamers often lie)

Opposition that exists within the mind of a character who is torn b/t different courses of action.

repetition of the same/similar consonant sounds in words close together

The attitude of the narrator toward the subject,ideas, theme, or characters.

The narrator is a character in the story; the reader sees everything through this character’s eyes, and uses I and we.

When a person says one things and means another.

The relationship of the narrator to the story . . . the view from which the story is told.

Author’s use of clues that hint at events that will occur later in the plot; often builds suspense

Person in a story who develops and changes in the course of a literary work from beginning to end.

All other characters in a story besides main character.

A major division of a play which may be divided into scenes

When a character struggles against some outside force, such as another character, nature, society, or fate.

A word or phrase that has special meaning different from its standard or dictionary meaning. (Burning the midnight oil)

FOS using "like" or "as" to compare two seemingly unlike things.

A story to be performed by actors in front of an audience--includes stage directions, setting, props, and costumes.

A literary tool, which serves as a lens through which readers observe characters, events, and happenings.

The account of a person’s life written by someone other than that person.

The main idea or message the writer wants you to get from the story…insight about life or human nature

The struggle between opposing forces.

The narrator reveals the thoughts, feelings, and observations of 1 character in the story using the words he or she.

A character who provides a striking contrast to another character. (peace vs. fight)

Literature in which situations and characters are invented by the writer; they’re untrue.

When the reader knows something that a character does not know.

Figure of speech that is a combination of two seemingly contradictory words. (pretty ugly)

The story of a person's life written by that person.

FOS that compares two or more things that have something in common. It does NOT use the words "like" or "as".

When the opposite happens from what you expect.

Person in a story who reveals only one personality trait, such as vengeful.

The writer makes direct statements about a character’s personality.

Person in a story who shows varied and sometimes contradictory traits.

FOS in which an animal, object, force of nature, or idea is given human qualities.

The part of a story when the climax gives way rapidly to its logical result.

An individual in a literary work, such as people, animals, robots, etc.

A rhythm pattern w/ five units or beats in a line w/ a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable

When the theme of a literary work is revealed gradually or through the use of other literary elements.

The use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes.

The introduction of characters, setting, and conflict in a literary work.

FOS in which great exaggeration is used for emphasis or humorous effect. (For example “You’ve asked me a million times.”

When a theme in a literary work is directly revealed in the test.

Object, person, place, or experience that represents something else.

The point of greatest emotional intensity, interest, or suspense in the plot.

A contrast between appearance and reality

iterature in which situations and characters are considered true.

A person or force in society or nature that opposes the main character.

Language used for descriptive effect, beyond the literary level. Types are Hyperbole, Metaphor, Simile... etc

The time and place of a story—general and specific. Can also include customs, values, ideas, and beliefs.

When an earlier episode, conversation, or event is inserted into the chronological sequence of a plot.

A situation or statement that includes two parts, both of which are true but seem to contradict each other.

Feeling or atmosphere an author creates . It can suggest a specific emotion, such as excited or fearful.

Growing interest or excitement readers experience while awaiting a climax or resolution in a work of literature

The main character in a story around whom the main conflict revolves.

A play in which events turn out disastrously for the main character(s). Those who survive, usually learn a lesson.