Literary Terms

a character who does not undergo a change over the course of a story

the atmosphere or feeling an author creates within the piece of writing.

A method of storytelling in which the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story,

the repeated use of words or phrases in order to emphasize a point.

the writer directly states the character’s traits or characteristics.

writing that tells about imaginary characters and events.

a group of lines in a poem.

the speaker or character who is telling the story.

the perspective from which a story is told.

a brief story that teaches a lesson or a moral

the events are told by someone outside the story.

that element in a novel that evokes emotions such as worry, fear and stress on the part of the reader and the characters

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

the literal definition of the word

a regular pattern of rhyming words in a poem

The plot “thickens” as the central conflict begins to unfold. Complications are introduced and suspense builds.

a problem or struggle between a character and anoutside force:

the imaginary voice assumed by the writer of a poem, the onedescribing the events in a poem.

a comparison made without using “like” or “as”.

a comparison between two things, using “like” or “as”.

a word or phrase which means something different from what it says

a central message, idea, or concern that is expressed in a literary work.

the character or character's problems are solved.

is the greatest interest or suspense in the story.

the outcome of a series of events

a section in a literary piece that interrupts the sequence of events inorder to relate an earlier incident

writer allows the reader to draw his/her conclusions as to what a character is like based on appearances words actions

provides background for the story

a reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or workof art, often used to help make a comparison.

a type of figurative language in which a non-human subjectis given human characteristics.

the repetition of similar initial consonant sounds in order to create a musical effect, to emphasize key words

a conclusion drawn by the reader based on available information.

a situation where the opposite of what is expected to occur or exist doesoccur or exist.

a fictional tale that explains the actions of gods or heroes or the origins of elements of nature.

a lesson taught by a literary work.

the quality of a character; what a character is like.

the sequence of events in a literary work.

a character or force in conflict with a main character, or protagonist.

the events are told by a character in the story.

refers to what someone is like – what their qualities are

a short tale that illustrates a universal truth, a belief that appeals to allpeople of all civilizations.

the time and location of the events described in a literary work.

a vague or indefinite statement that is made to cover many cases.

the highest point of action in a story, often the turning point.

the character or character's problems are solved.

In second person point of view, the narrator tells the story to another character using "you,"

is the point where the action or conflict begins, sometimesreferred to as the “narrative hook”.

the feeling or emotions associated with a word or phrase

a problem within a character (character vs. self).

the attitude of an author toward the subject that he/she is writing about.

writing or speech that tells a story.

an author’s use of hints or clues to give a reader an idea of what may happen next.

a flow in music or poetry of regular accented beats

the close placement of words having opposite or near oppositemeanings in order to create a unique description.

anything that stands for or represents something else.

a story composed orally and then passed down from person to person by word of mouth.

the effects here are a result of the climax.

when a character or characters speak

a story composed orally and then passed down from person to person byword of mouth.

the main character in a literary work

a close similarity in the final sounds of two or more words or lines of verse ina poem

method of storytelling in which the narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of a single character

Pictures, side bars, bold print, graphs, charts, and captions

use of extreme exaggeration

poetry that tells a story

writing meant to be performed by actors on a stage. This form includesdialogue and stage directions.

expressive writing that may use rhythm and rhyme to convey emotion.

is a word that imitates or suggests the source of the sound that describes.

a problem or struggle between two or more forces