Literary Terms

How the written work physically looks on the page, how it is organized, and how time is structured in the text.

A scene or an entire story that relates events that happened in the past.

When a story is told from a single person point of view using the pronoun “I”

A character who is described in direct contrast to another character to highlight the characteristics of the other

A character that shows only one character trait throughout a story. A one-dimensional character.

A character that exhibits many behavior traits, emotions, or attitudes. A multi-dimensional character.

A written account of a persons life, written by that person.

An over-exaggeration used to emphasize a point or for humorous effects. Example: "I'm starving."

When two contradictory terms are used together. Example: "bittersweet" ot "pretty ugly."

Events leading to the resolution.

Writing that is not meant to be taken literally; readers must understand it imaginatively.

The use of similar consonant sounds repeated at the beginning of words. Ex. The snake slithered around Sam.

A type of character whose attitude or outlook on life changes because of events that happened in the plot.

The feeling a reader gets when they read a story. It is created by the author using literary devices.

When a word is spelled like the sound it makes. For example, "Boom," "Meow," or "Beep."

The highest point of suspense or interest in a story.

Events leading to the climax.

Words or phrases that paint a picture in the reader's mind.

A point of view that uses the pronouns "he," "she," "him," "her," "they," or "them."

When the opposite of what is expected to happen, happens. Ex. A tow truck broke down

A writer's individual and distinct way of writing. It includes word choice, tone, mood…

Giving things that are not alive human-like characteristics. Example: "The loud speaker started to whine”.

A type of character whose attitude or outlook on life does not change from the beginning to the end of the story.

The main character in a literary work

A character that opposes the protagonist

A struggle a character has within his or her own mind. For example, when a character struggles to make a big decision.

The sequence of events (order) in a literary work. It begins with the exposition.

Somthing that represents itself or stands for something else.

A category or type of literature, music, etc.

A conclusion or guess, that readers make based on the information (context) of the text.

The main problem in the story.

A written account of a persons life, written by someone else.

When someone judges or comes to a conclusion about a person or group based on limited information

Often mistaken for the denoument, we learn the outcome or solution to the conflict in this part of the story.

A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like,” “as,” or “than.” Example: "She is faster than the wind."

A point of view that uses the pronoun "you."

The time and place of the action. For example, "In the Amazon jungle in 1940."

The attitude a writer has toward his subject. It may be angry, humorous, sarcastic, etc.

A phrase or saying not meant to be taken literally. Example: "Shoot the breeze" or ""Just bite the bullet."

Two unlike things are compared but have similar qualities. Example: "My mom is the glue that holds our family together."

If you have “this” in your writing, a reader will know it’s you because your emotions and personality come through

The time of the action, the main characters, and the basic situation are introduced in this part of the plot.

A struggle that takes place between a character and some outside force such as another character, society, or nature.

the central message the author tries to get across to his or her readers in a literary work it makes a statment.

A life changing event or revelation tha changes the way that character lives or views his or her life.