Literary Terms

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

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

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

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

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

Events leading to the climax.

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

The main problem in the story.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The highest point of suspense or interest in a story.

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

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

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

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

Somthing that represents itself or stands for something else.

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

Events leading to the resolution.

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

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

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

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

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

The main character in a literary work

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

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

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

A category or type of literature, music, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A character that opposes the protagonist