That just might appear on your Ohio Academic Assessment Literary Terms That just might appear on your Ohio Academic Assessment

Character opposing the protagonist Antagonist Character opposing the protagonist

Climax The point in a story that creates the greatest suspense or interest. At this point something happens that reveals how the conflict will turn out

Connotation A meaning, association, or emotion suggested by a word, in addition to its dictionary definition, or denotation. Example: You could describe someone who rarely changes plans as determined or pigheaded, but pigheaded has a negative connotation

Dictionary definition of a word Denotation Dictionary definition of a word

Flashback Interruption in the present action of a plot to show events that happened at an earlier time. Breaks the normal forward movement of a narrative. Example: Almost all of “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a flashback.

Foreshadowing The use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot.

Imagery Language that appeals to the senses. These include touch, hearing, taste, and smell, as well as sight.

The central thought or message of a passage, story, poem, etc. Main Idea The central thought or message of a passage, story, poem, etc.

Mood Overall feeling of a work of literature. Often can be described in one or two adjectives, such as scary, happy, sad, or nostalgic. A writer produces this by creating images and using sounds that convey a particular feeling. Example: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe is noted for its eerie mood.

The series of related events that make up a story. Plot The series of related events that make up a story.

Plot Diagram Illustrates the basic elements of a narrative, including introduction/exposition/basic situation, complications, climax, and resolution

The vantage point from which a story is told Point of View The vantage point from which a story is told

The main character in a work of literature Protagonist The main character in a work of literature

The time and place of a story, poem, or narrative poem Setting The time and place of a story, poem, or narrative poem

Example: a bald eagle is a symbol of America A person, place, thing, or event that has meaning in itself and stands for something beyond itself as well. Example: a bald eagle is a symbol of America

Symbolism The practice of representing things by symbols, or of investing things with a symbolic meaning or character