Literary Terms By: Jessica Bilimek

Flashback Returning to an earlier time in a story for the purpose of making something clearer in the present. Example: “ Four years ago I went to Six Flags.”

Mood How the writing makes the reader feel (happy, sad, upset) Example: She was shocked to see a panda bear in her backyard.

Character The person or animal around which the action in a story occurs. Example: Scooby Doo is an awesome cartoon character.

Opinion A statement that requires a value judgment; it is what someone thinks or believes. Example: He thinks that lollipops are nasty.

Setting The time and place in which the action of a story occurs. Example: Chealsea’s party will be at the park.

Attitude The feelings of a character as reflected in the selection. Example: She got sassy when her teacher told her she was in trouble.

Simile A figurative comparison that uses “like” or “as”. Example: She was as fat as a pumpkin.

Conflict The problem or complication in a story. Example: The kid beat up the cat.

Entertain To use writing to amuse a reader. Example: The reader was amused when he read Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Fact A statement that is true or can be proven. Example: Texas is a state in the United States.

Persuade To use writing to convince a reader to accept an author’s viewpoint or perspective. Example: The sun drop commercial was very persuasive.

Theme A statement about life that a particular selection is trying to get across to the reader. Example: The theme of the party was penguins.