Literary Terms
Exposition
Introduces setting (time and place), characters and conflict
Rising Action
Adds complications; conflict becomes clearer and lease to climax
Climax
Turning point (often toward end of story)
Falling Action
Effects of climactic scene are realized
Resolution
Conflicts are settled; loose ends tied up (sometimes)
Flashback
A scene that interrupts the present action to tell what happened earlier
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues about what will occur later in the plot
Mood
The feeling or atmosphere the writer creates for the reader
Setting
Where and when the setting takes place (includes time of day, time period, artifacts/clothing, transportation, etc.)
Dialect
The way a character speaks if he/she is from a different part of the country
Characterization
The methods that a writer uses to develop characters; there are two types
Direct Characterization
The author tells us directly what the character's personality is like
Indirect Characterization
Through the author's physical descriptions, the character's speech, thoughts or actions, or other character's speech, thoughts, or actions, the reader uses his or her own judgment to decide what a character is like
Character Development
The way a character changes from the beginning to the end of the story
Trait
A distinguishing characteristic (i.e. brave, foolish, arrogant)
Protagonist
The main character; the character we are meant to sympathize with; the character we know the most about
Antagonist
The character used to contrast the main character; the character that causes the conflict for the main character
Point of View
The method of narrating the story, novel, poem or work of nonfiction. It is usually first or third person:
Tone
The attitude a writer takes toward a subject; reflects the feelings of the writer (serious, humorous, tragic, suspenseful, angry, ironic)
Conflict
A struggle between opposing sides or forces; there are two types:
External Conflict
The struggle is between a character and another character, or a character and something non-human and outside of themselves such as a force of nature like a blizzard or flood
Internal Conflict
the struggle takes place inside the character's mind: character has conflicting emotions; within themselves often involving a difficult decision
Theme
The main idea in a work of literature. It is a perception about life or human nature that the writer shares with the reader. In most cases, the theme is not directly stated but inferred
Irony
Twists and surprises in a story; a difference between what is expected and what happens; between what is said and what is meant; between what appears true and what is true; there are 3 types:
Verbal Irony
Saying one thing but meaning the opposite; sarcasm
Situational Irony
The unexpected happens; sudden twist at end of story
Dramatic Irony
Audience/reader knows something the characters do not; if the characters had known, they would have done things differently and the outcome of the story would then be different
Epiphany
A sudden insight or awareness
Metaphor
A direct comparison between two unlike things--Life is a roller coaster, full of ups and downs.
Simile
A comparison between two unlike things using like or as--Life is like a box of chocolates
Personifcation
Giving human traits to non-human things--The sun is smiling down on the world.
Imagery
Descriptive words or phrases that re-create sensory experiences for the reader by calling forth the use of the senses (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, etc.) and putting a picture in the reader's mind
Symbol
Any object or action that represents something beyond itself; it can be traditional (established, recognizable symbols = archetypes, such as rose, white hat) or original (red light saber in Star Wars)
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