Literary Terms

a warning or indication of a future event - author hints at what's to come

refers to the use of the dictionary definition or literal meaning of a word

psychological struggle within the mind of a literary or dramatic character

is the point of highest tension or drama in a literary work

a form of storytelling in which a narrator relates all information, not knowing all

an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning

a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

comparison between two unlike things without using like or as

a figure of speech in which words are used so intended meaning is different than actual meaning

in a story, this is its underlying message, "big idea", or universal message

the place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place

a situation that is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters in the play.

an expression designed to call something to mind; an indirect or passing reference.

the main events of a play, novel, movie, or similar work: intended sequence

the process by which the personality of a character is revealed by adjectives or direct words

the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings

a point of view (who is telling a story) where the story is narrated by one character at a time

a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story

a form of storytelling in which a narrator relates all action second hand

the personality of a character is revealed through a character's speech, actions, appearance

the adversary of the hero or protagonist of a drama or other literary work

a person says or writes one thing and means another

an event in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended

any struggle between opposing forces - main character struggles with ______________

a remark or passage that is meant to be heard by the audience only - not other characters.

writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people

shows the author's attitude toward the subject and toward the audience in a literary work

an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself, especially by a character in a play

struggle between a character and an outside force such as nature or another character

a story in which the main character is brought to ruin especially as a consequence of a flaw

an author's use of vivid and descriptive language to add depth to his or her work

literature that describes imaginary events and people

when you describe something by comparing it with something else, figures of speech, devices

a form of storytelling in which a narrator relates all information, knowing all

story that was told in an ancient culture to explain a practice, belief, or natural occurrence

a comparison between unlike things using "like" or "as"

the leading character or major character in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text

a long narrative poem, often written about a hero or heroines

the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman