Literary Terms

The direct contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

This follows the climax and reveals its results.

Distinctive way the author uses language.

The introduction.

An essay relating to someone's personal life.

This is used to state ideas in a vivid and imaginary way.

The part of the plot that begins to occur as soon as the conflict is introduced.

The comparison of seemingly unlike things.

The dictionary definition of a word.

Interruption of the sequence of an event to an earlier occurrence.

The character or force in conflict with the main character.

This type of fictional literature deals with imaginative concepts.

The reason for which an author writes.

The point of greatest emotional intensity.

Use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.

A character who does not help to move along the plot.

A passing or indirect reference. An incidental mention of something.

Central message, concern, or purpose.

This type of fictional literature is intended to scare, disgust, or startle readers/viewers.

When the author uses a statement or picture in words to describe a person, place, or thing.

Someone says something but means the opposite (can be sarcasm).

Comparing two or more things that have something in common (does NOT us like or as).

Give human characteristics to something that is not human.

When a word is formed from the sound that an associated thing makes.

Two or more words repeat the same vowel sound but start with different consonant sounds.

Writing dealing with facts and events rather than imaginative narration.

Another term for an extreme exaggeration.

The main character.

Part of the plot that concludes the falling action by revealing the outcome of the conflict.

Introducing and then describing a character.

The person telling the story of events, experiences, etc.

The time and place of the action.

The attitude toward a subject.

The perspective from which a story is told.

Language used in a particular geographical area, social class, or occupational group.

Literature that describes imaginary events and people.

The repetition of sounds at the beginning of words.

Dénouement also means ...

The feeling associated with a word.

The atmosphere; The feeling created.

Struggle against outside forces.

An essay trying to argue for or against something.

The struggle between opposing forces.

This type of fictional literature has a plot taking place in a setting located in the past.

A person or animal that takes part in the action of literary work.

Words or phrases that appeal to one or more of the five senses.

A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

The audience knows something that characters do not.

The sequence of events.

Using clues to hint at what might happen later in the story.

A traditional way of saying something but the words cannot be taken literally.

Struggle within the mind between different courses of action.

A conversation between two or more characters.

An essay that provides information.