Grade 12 Literary Terms Review

The unifying idea underlying a literary work

'Bang', 'Sshh', 'Boom'

The complication of action between the point of attack and the climax

A trite, worn-out phrase or idea to which fresh responses are no longer possible

Repetition of initial sounds in a series of words.

Similarity of sound in two or more words, usually at the last words of poetic lines

The central character in a work of fiction for whom the readers hopes.

The portion of the dramatic plot that leads from climax to denouement.

Giving human qualities to non-human things

The character or force opposing the protagonist

The struggle between opposing persons or forces in fiction.

Stereotypical character, found repeatedly in literature

In plot, the incident or series of incidents leading to the climax

The attitude of the author towards his subject, indicated by diction, rhythm, etc.

A character of some complexity.

This point of view allows the author to be in the minds of any characters at will.

'Visible darkness', 'Jumbo shrimp', 'government intelligence'

A character with one dominant trait that governs his actions; relatively simple character

Any figure of speech or description that helps the reader imaginatively see

An imitation of events to come

The uncertainty resulting from conflict, the desire to know the outcome of actions

Linking of apparently contradictory terms in a single statement that is true.

When we expect something to happen and it doesn't

A comparison using like or as

A character that undergoes growth, development over the course of the story.

Language that conveys meaning by the use of explicit or implicit comparisons

The setting of a story needs to include ...

The conclusion of the plot, the outcome of the action along with any explanations.

The choice of words and the manner of their arrangement peculiar to an author.

The feeling or mood of a literary composition conveyed through the description of the setting.

The full range of suggestions, associations, etc. of meaning beyond the dictionary meaning

An implied comparison of some quality of two diverse objects, thoughts, etc.

A situation where the audience knows more about the words or actions than the characters do

A term meaning 'kind' or 'type' used to label the broad categories of literature.