Allegory A narrative that unfolds an abstract idea by representing it as an action played out by abstract or symbolically named persons. The allegory’s characters, events, and even setting are coherent on a literal level, but at the same time suggest a second more symbolic, level of significance.  

Conflict A point in the plot during which the protagonist is challenged in some way and forced to make a choice.

revelation or visionary moment; a realization. Epiphany A sudden revelation or visionary moment; a realization.  

Hamartia The mistake or error committed by the central figure that leads to his downfall.  

Parody A work of literature that wittily mimics the style of another work, generally to achieve a comical or critical effect.  

the central idea or ideas that a work of literature Theme A synopsis of the central idea or ideas that a work of literature explores and the issues it raises.  

Antagonist The character who opposes the protagonist.  

character who undergoes some kind of change. Dynamic Character A multidimensional and often complex character who undergoes some kind of change.

plot to explain events that took place before the Flashback A scene inserted into the main plot to explain events that took place before the beginning of the action; sometimes presented as a dream, memory, or reminiscence.  

Irony The assumed state of affairs contrasts with the true state of affairs, or when there is a discrepancy between the apparent situation and the actual situation.  

Secondary Character a character with few details who partakes in less of the action.

Tragedy A serious drama that ends in personal, social, or communal catastrophe.  

Meaning there is a child or adolecent protagonist who is Bildungsroman The literary term for a “coming of age” story. Meaning there is a child or adolecent protagonist who is forced to grow up due to his or her experience in the story.  

Epic A lengthy, serious narrative poem, usually written in a lofty and elevated style, about a hero and the great deed of cosmic significance that he accomplishes, despite the suffering and loss he inevitably experiences.

Genre  A literary form such as a drama, poem, short fiction, or short story or novel.  

A recurring theme, idea or pattern in a literary work. Motif   A recurring theme, idea or pattern in a literary work.

Static Character A character who is one-dimensional, requires minimal description, and remains relatively unchanged.  

Tragic Hero  A central figure who experiences the conflict, commits the tragic mistake and experiences a downfall.  

Bibliography -A collection of sources the writer has used or may use Bibliography -A collection of sources the writer has used or may use. This collection can be changed prior to the final works cited being created.

2. Database - A collection of information arranged for ease and speed of retrieval as by a computer.

Periodical - Publications issued at regular intervals such as daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Ex: newspapers, magazines, journals.

Thesis Statement- The main idea of the paper which focuses on a single, limited topic.

Citations - An entry of a source on the works cited page Citations - An entry of a source on the works cited page. They are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name.

Outline Format - Thesis statement on top, Main Points are indicated by Roman Numerals and then are broken down by A, B, C.

Plagiarism - Improperly using someone’s words, ideas, or images so that they appear to be your own.

Works Cited Page - The collection of sources the writer has used in researching and writing his paper.

Common Knowledge - Information the writer and any knowledgeable reader is familiar with

Paraphrase - A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.

Source Reliability - Sources from the internet should be checked for accuracy and integrity. The researcher cannot assume that all internet sources are reliable.