Literary Terms
Setting Time and place in which action is set
Conflict Problem or struggle in the story Man vs. Man Man vs. Self Man vs. Society Man vs. Nature Man vs. Fate (God)
Point of View The vantage point from which the story is told. 1st 3rd limited 3rd omniscient
Round Character Character with is given multiple sides; complex
Flat Character Character which has only one dimension
Foil Someone who serves as a contrast or challenge to another character
Alter Ego Someone who serves as an ally to another character
Mood The feeling the text arouses in the reader
Foreshadowing Author gives hints or clues of what is to come later.
Imagery The use of sense words to create a certain picture in the reader’s mind.
Irony Using a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its literal meaning. Dramatic- reader or audience sees the character’s mistakes Verbal- the writer says one thing and means another Situational- great difference between the purpose of an action and its outcome.
Motif Often repeated theme or idea
Juxtaposition Putting two elements side by side for comparison (characters, settings)
Paradox A contradictory element (He passed himself)
Symbol Something concrete that stands for something abstract.
Theme Author’s intended message in the story.
Tone Overall feeling created by the writer.
Allusion A reference to a familiar person, place, thing, or event. Historical Literary Biblical
Exposition Writing that is intended to explain something that might otherwise be difficult to understand.
Parts of a Plot Diagram Exposition Complicating Incident Rising Action Falling Action Climax Conclusion, Resolution, Denoument
Figurative Language Language used to create a special effect. Hyperbole- exaggeration Metaphor- direct comparison Personification- human characteristics to inhuman items Simile- comparison using “like” or “as”
Style How the author uses sentence construction, diction, voice to voice his ideas. Also thought of as the qualities and characteristics that distinguish one writer’s work from the work of others.