1. Literary Terms

2. Alliteration When two or more words in a group of words begin with the same sound (usually, the same letter or group of letters) Ex: Anne’s awesome apple

3. Allusion A reference to a person, place, poem, book, event, etc. which is not part of the story, that the author expects the reader will recognize Ex: the Bible (the most common allusion; specifically the story of Adam and Eve)

4. Antagonist The opponent or enemy of the main character, or protagonist

5. Aside Words spoken to the audience by a character in a drama that are not supposed to be heard by the other characters on stage. Usually used to let the audience know what a character is thinking.

6. Characterization The methods, incidents, speech, etc. an author uses to reveal the people in the book. Can be direct or indirectDirect = author TELLS you what the character is like Indirect = the author SHOWS you what the character is like: how the character looks/does/says/thinks & what others say about him/her

7. Climax The point at which the conflict reaches its greatest intensity Think: At what point was I the MOST emotionally invested?

8. Conflict The struggle between opposing forces Moves the plot forward Man vs. self Man vs. man Man vs. nature Man vs. society Man vs. fate, luck, God

9. Dialect A particular kind of speech used by member of one specific group because of its geographical location or class Ex: Jim, in Huckleberry Finn say, “Shet de do.” (Shut the door)

10. Dialogue The conversation between characters in a work of literature

11. Dynamic Character A character who undergoes a significant internal change over the course of a story Ex: understanding, values, insight, etc.

12. Figurative Language Words and phrases that have meanings different from their usual ones (not dictionary meaning) in order to create a poetic and/or literary effect. Ex: idioms, metaphors, simile, personification

13. Flashback A scene in a story that occurred before the present time in the story. Provide background information about events happening during the current narration May be present as memories, dreams, or stories of the past told by characters

14. Foreshadowing The use of hints or clues in a story to suggest what action is to come. Used to create interest and build suspense.

15. Generalization About Life A statement that can apply to humanity at large; a seemingly universal truth Ex: All men are created equal

16. Hyperbole Extreme exaggeration used for emphasis or effect Not meant to be taken literally Ex: I almost died of boredom

17. Idiom An expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words Ex: it’s raining cats and dogs

18. Imagery The use of words to evoke impressions and meaning that are more than just the basic, accepted definitions of the words themselves

19. Irony There are three types: When the reader or audience is aware of something that the characters are not aware of Dramatic irony When something happens that is the reverse of what you expected Situational irony When the name or description of something implies the opposite of the truth Ex: calling a very tall person “Tiny” Verbal irony

20. Major Characters A main or important characterPlays a large role in the storyUsually face some sort of obstacleUsually present throughout all, or most, of a storyCan have several main characters

21. Metaphor Ex: The moon, a haunting lantern, shone through the clouds. A comparison of two things that are basically dissimilar in which one is described in terms of the other

22. Minor Character Does not play a large role in a storyDo not face any obstacles during the course of the storyUsually do not change during the course of the storyThe reader does not usually learn much about themThere to interact with major character and move plot

23. Mood The feeling the reader gets from a work of literature. Can stay the same or change throughout the story

24. Motif Ex: In Hamlet, revenge is a frequently repeated idea. A situation, incident, idea, or image that is repeated significantly in a literary work.

25. Onomatopoeia The use of words whose sounds imitate the sounds of what they describe Ex: hiss, murmur, growl, honk, buzz woof, etc.

26. Narrator The one who tells the story

27. Personification A figure of speech in which an object, abstract idea, or animal is given human characteristics Ex: The leaf danced down the street

28. Plot The pattern of events in a literary work; what happens Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Resolution

29. Poetic Justice An outcome, either a reward or punishment, which can be either ironic, the opposite of what is expected, or perfectly suited to the character or situation. Ex: an assassin is murdered on his way to assassinate someone

30. Point of View The perspective fro which a story is told.1 st person Narrator is a character in the story who describes things from his or her perspective 3 rd person limited Narrator is not a character, but the narrator can describe the experiences and thoughts of only one character 3 rd person omniscient Narrator is not a character and is able to describe the experiences and thoughts of every character

31. Protagonist The main or central character of a work of literature. Usually, the main character is involved in a conflict or struggle with the antagonist.

32. Setting The environment in which the story takes place. Including: ◦ time period ◦ Location ◦ Physical characteristics of the surroundings

33. Simile A comparison between two different things using either like or as

34. Static Character A character who does not undergo a significant change over the course of a story.

35. Symbol An object, setting, event, animal, or person that on one level is itself, but that has another meaning as well. Ex: American flag = freedom, patriotism, & pride

36. Symbolism The practice of using symbols

37. Theme The main message or moral.

38. Tone The author’s attitude toward the subject matter or toward the reader or audience. Words that could describe tone include: Doubtful, humorous, gleeful, serious, & questioning Tone is conveyed through the author’s word choices and the details that he or she includes.