Any literary work meant to be read, viewed, or otherwise experienced by an audience (includes stories, plays, films, music, articles, television shows, speeches, and others).

The central message or idea of a text. Theme should Always be a statement (revenge, love, etc. are NOT themes)

Any situation which creates tension, doubt, apprehension or dread within the reader or audience.

The sequence of events within a text. (Theme is not plot!)

The location or backdrop in which a text takes place; setting will include both the time and place at which a story takes place.

Events, dialogue, or descriptions (overt or implied) which help to further our understandings of a character.

The “hero” or central character within a text; the character whose story is told by the author.

The “villain” or major obstructing force which works against the protagonist on his journey.

The perspective from which a story is told or an event is experienced.

A symbol, characteristic, or other idea which a text presents over and over again.

A situation or statement which differs from what is expected.

Descriptive or dramatic language which refers to the senses (all senses, not simply vision)

Overstatement of a situation or description, usually for dramatic effect.

A classification of texts which share certain characteristics in general.

Events, dialogue, or description which seems to suggest or hint at events which may arise later in the text.

Poetic language used to artfully represent an idea for the reader. Usually, Figurative Language describes language which is not meant to be taken literally.

Words spoken between characters within a text, usually (but not always) delineated with quotation marks.

Problems which arise within a text, usually describing obstacles on the Protagonist’s journey.

Repetition of the sounds which begin words within a sentence or passage.

In academic writing, an author’s central point and plan of attack for proving that point.

A statement or situation which seems to contradict itself or which should be impossible.

A reference to another text, best when the text referred to is well- known by an audience.

An overt comparison between two different concepts, usually using the words “like” or “so”.

An implied comparison between two different concepts, often using the verb “to be” (but not always).

The author’s specific word choice & vocabulary within a text

The author’s “vehicle” for telling a story; the voice which tells a story. Not necessarily the same as the author himself (especially when used for ironic purposes).

Specific and usually repeating patterns of rhyme within stanzas or an entire work, not necessarily limited to poetry.

The author’s feeling toward his subject, usually communicated through the author’s diction.

An object, person or setting which takes on added significance due to the way it is presented or positioned within a text. Often, symbols are representative of “bigger” ideas, and/or are tied to the theme.

A situation in which two or more ideas or objects are presented in conjunction with one another, often for dramatic or ironic effect.