Literary Terms

Perspective in which a story is told.

High point of story (showdown) where conflict erupts.

Introduction, chracters and conflict are 'exposed'.

A point by point comparison of two things.

Difference between what's expected to happen in a story and what really happens.

Story where people, objects, or events stand for ideas, such as a child representing innocence.

Made up story set in outer space or the future.

Words that imitate sounds. (Ex. pop, crack)

A character's unspoken thoughts.

The pattern of end rhyme throughout a poem.

A conflict of a character against outside forces.

Two rhyming lines grouped together in a poem.

The pattern or flow of sound created in poetry.

Groups of four lines in a poem.

Using one thing to represent another. (Ex. flag:freedom)

Humorous play, usually with a happy ending.

Most common meter, contains 5 beats per line.

Plays that usually include an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events.

The contrast (difference) between appearance and reality.

Teaches a moral or lesson. They usually include animals.

Narrator directly adresses reader as "you".

A pause or break for emphasis in a line of poetry.

The struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Stories with a detective and puzzle that must be solved.

Words that inspire strong emotions.

Say one thing but mean the opposite.

The author's attitude/opinion toward his/her subject.

Direct comparison of two things.

The end of the story where final outcome is revealed and loose ends are resolved.

Emotional response from a word.

A conflict within a single character. Battling ones own feelings.

A short version of a longer written piece.

A play on words.

Used to explain something in the world.

Characters reason for doing something.

Mostly structured (arranged in lines), appeals to emotions and experiences.

Made up story that has feeling of being real.

Exaggerated comedy with ridiculous situations, mixed up identities, and lots of wordplay.

Techniques used to develop characters in stories.

Brings together two contradictory terms. (Ex. wise fool)

Narrative poem with repetition meant to be sung.

True story of someone's life by another person.

American tales that rely on exaggeration

How a poem is arranged.

Types of literary works (fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry).

14 line lyric poem written in iambic pentameter

Long, narrative formal poem centered around a hero.

Repetition of vowel sounds within words.

Poetry written in iambic pentameter but no rhyme.

Story where foolish customs/ideas of a society are ridiculed for the purpose of improvement.

Poetry that does not have rhyme and meter patterns.

An object or animal possesses human qualities.

Narrator is outside the story, but can only focus on one characters thoughts and actions.

Short poem, expresses thoughts in deep emotional terms.

Readers know more than the characters.

The main character has a tragic flaw, or weakness, that leads to his eventual destruction.

Changes minimaly throughout the story.

Simple stories passed down thru time by word of mouth.

To go "back in time" within a story to provide info.

Interacts with the main character, moves story along.

The sequence (order) of actions or events in a story.

The emotional response of a reader toward what they read.

Where truth is exaggerated for emphasis or humor.

Narrator is in the story and uses "I" form.

Writing meant to convince others of your view or to have them do something you want them to do.

Repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of words.

Compares two things in several ways.

Words that almost rhyme.

Language that appeals to our five senses.

A word or part of a sentence (the beginning) repeated.

Dark fiction focused on odd characters and crazy situations.

A conflict between two or more characters.

Who is telling the story.

Repetition of consonant sounds within words.

Similarity of sound between two words.

Writing that informs, explains, or describes something.

Time and place where a story occurs.

Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Changes and grows throughout the story.

Language that communicates ideas beyond the literal (dictionary) meaning of the words used.

Imitates someone else's writing style, for criticism or humor.

Narrator is "all knowing" and can see inside the minds of all the characters. Uses he/she form.

Characters developed, conflicts increase.

One person talking to himself.

A statement that contradicts itself, but still has truth. (Ex. The beginning of the end.)

Made up story set in a real time period.

Writing used to honor someone who has passed.

Story centers on this character(s).

True story of someone's life written by that person.

The repetition of a regular rhythm unit throughout a poem.

Hints or clues of what will happen in a story.

Type of folk tale, often exaggerated but considered true.

Rhyme that occurs in the same line of poetry.

The positive or negative way you feel about a topic.

When a character speaks to the audience in a play without the other characters knowledge.

The hero (or main character) of a story.

A group of lines that form a unit in a poem.

Words/phrases for a specific situation, profession, or trade.

Dictionary, or literal, meaning of words.

Character with opposite traits used to emphasize the traits of the main character.

Story set in countryside with a peaceful setting.

The author's message in respect to humanity in general. Includes good vs. evil, hope, freedom.

A conflict between character and society.

Rhyme that comes at the end of a line of poetry.

Verbal irony meant to hurt another person.

Serves a purpose, such as a menu or manual.

A single statement, tells what the writing is about or it's intended purpose.

Made up story, not true.

Stories with unreal aspects such as talking animals or magic.

Opposes the protagonist and provides conflict.

Writing based on fact, true.

Organized written or spoken words without rythym.(fiction, non-fiction, drama, no poetry)