1. Literary Terms

2. Theme Theme(s) holds a story together
Theme is essential to giving meaning
***Without It- a story is a random list of pointless events

3. Plot
DEF: plot is the sequence of EVENTS that makeup a story
Based on the principle of cause and effect, each event in the plot affects the next, basically keeping the story moving
Plot focuses attention on the significant parts of the characters’ lives.
Plot connects events for the reader.; it gives flow and purpose to the story,.
Plot can make the story seem more realistic if the reader feels that events are connected.
Bad series of events= a story that is too predictable or unrealistic

4. Characterization
Characterization helps the reader relate to the story; it makes the story more interesting
Characterization brings characters to life and makes them believable
Characterization engages readers and helps them to connect to characters in the story, causing them to either like or dislike them

5. Conflict Conflict is the source of change in a story
Conflict defines characters; it reveals their nature, or personality
Conflict forces characters to make choices, choices that either strengthen or weaken characters

6. Imagery Imagery is a photograph or experience expressed in writing
Imagery shows the reader an experience, rather than just telling about it
Imagery brings writing to life; it creates something vivid and real in the reader’s imagination
Imagery makes writing more relatable and allows the reader to connect to the story- to walk in the characters’ shoes.

7. Symbolism Symbolism gives objects new and deeper meaning
Symbolism adds significance to objects or things
EX: rose- love
EX: ribbons- pain/joy (depending on which character)
Symbolism challenges the reader to think critically, to infer important ideas that are not directly stated in the text

8. Figurative language
Force readers to imagine or infer what an author means with an expression or statement. 
Can make unfamiliar objects, settings and situations more relatable
Helps to make the characters and storylines come alive in the reader’s mind. It is usually meant to engage the reader’s imagination.

9. Flashback
A flashback is an interruption in the plot to describe an action of the past. After the flashback, the story returns to the present time of action.
Flashbacks make a comparison between the present action and something that happened in the past,
Flashbacks provide background information in a more interesting way; this could be thru thoughts, memories, or dreams.
Flashbacks can explain the reasons behind a character’s behavior or events and situations that might be unclear.
This technique can add suspense to the narrative.

10. Foreshadowing DEF: clues that PREDICT an event that DOES HAPPEN later
EX: scary, dramatic music gets louder in horror movie just before the babysitter eating popcorn on the couch is attacked
Creates suspense and can build tension- it makes the reader keep reading
***(when something is predicted BUT does NOT happen=irony)

11. Diction/Dialect
Diction- refers to the writer’s word choice; why choose simple, easy to understand words? complex, technical terms? sophisticated language? slang?
Dialect refers to the speech patterns of a particular region or social group; naturally, it changes from location to location and is often a reflection of an author’s native region
Diction and dialect help make the story more realistic and relatable.
Diction should reflect the abilities of the author’s target audience.
EX: ain’t, hafta, yessum (Shet de do’ -- Shut the door).
EX: pedantic – precise – fussy - picky

12. Antagonist
DEF: the main character or force that opposes the protagonist (causes problems), creating conflict in the story
The antagonist usually gives the reader someone to dislike, or hope to see defeated
EX: Voldemort (archenemy of Harry Potter)
EX: Lex Luthor (archenemy of Superman)

13. Protagonist
DEF: principal (main) character; the force that drives the action (plot) of the story
The protagonist gives the reader someone to cheer for and can be the reason the reader continues reading- hoping to see the antagonist’s problem solved- the happily ever after
EX: Superman
EX: Romeo AND Juliet

14. Hyperbole DEF: extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or humor
EX: I am so tired I could sleep for two days straight.
EX: “. . . the shot heard round the world.” (Emerson)