Elements of Literature and Language Page 2

Characters in Literature Antagonist Protagonist A person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work. The character who drives the action and is at the center of the story is the protagonist. Often the protagonist changes in some important way during the story. Minor characters are not the main focus, but help the reader learn more about the protagonist. The antagonist is a character who works against the protagonist and causes conflict.

Protagonist The character that the reader or audience empathizes with. Their problems move the plot and conflict forward. Although, they are often written as heroes, they do NOT have to be the “good” guy or girl.

Antagonist The antagonist opposes the protagonist. The protagonist does NOT have to be a good guy. If a story is written from a criminal’s point of view being chased by police, then a cop would be the antagonist. Antagonists don’t have to be humans either. They are the force in conflict with the protagonist.

Characters Dynamic Static Static characters - these characters remain the same during the course of the story. They may have many personality traits, but they do not change. Dynamic characters - these characters change during the course of and as a result of the story.

Characters Round characters- like real people; they are complex, revealing several sides to their personality. Flat characters – one- dimensional; uncomplicated characters who stay the same throughout the story. They usually have one defining character trait, for example, the aliens in Toy Story do not have developed personalities. Their personalities are not fully developed. Flat Round

Characters Stock characters – these are characters that are stereotypical, such as sidekicks, nerds, jocks, and popular girls. Their traits are predictably determined by their role. Mean Popular Girl Sidekick

Characterization Direct characterization – the writer tells the reader directly what the character is like (“Sarah was a social butterfly.”)

Characterization Indirect characterization – the writer reveals a character through what he/she looks like, says, and does, and lets the reader draw conclusions (inferences) about what the character is like (“Sarah smiled as she entered the room, saying hello and greeting each person enthusiastically.”) The author shows the reader the personality of the character. Example: Oliver (from Oliver Twist) decides to warn the family about the burglary as soon as he gets in. When things go south, he begins to pray. This develops the character as moral and good natured.

Indirect Characterization STEAL Speech What does the character say? How does the character speak? Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings? Effect on others (how others feel about the character) What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character? Actions What does the character do? How does the character behave? Looks What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Tone The attitude the writer takes towards the audience or subject as conveyed by the language and rhythm of the speaker of a literary work.

Style or Voice A writer’s characteristic manner of using and structuring language.

Diction Word choice; the specific language an author chooses.

Syntax The sentence structure.

Mood The mood, or atmosphere, of a story is the overall emotional feeling created by the details. Sometimes you may be able to describe the atmosphere in a single word (sad, frightening, or mysterious, for example). Authors create mood with their descriptions of the setting, characters, and events.

Allusion A reference to a well- known person, place, literary work, or event in another work of literature or speech.

Dialogue A conversation between two or more characters.

Irony When an author deliberately uses language to reveal something opposite or contradictory to what is stated or expected. Three kinds: Verbal irony Dramatic irony Situational irony

Irony Verbal irony – Occurs when a character says one thing but means the opposite. (“Oh, fantastic!” he muttered when he saw the flat tire.)

Irony Dramatic irony – Occurs when the audience is aware of something that the characters on stage are not. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not dead as Romeo mourns at her grave.

Irony Situational irony – Occurs when what happens in reality is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate.

Hyperbole A deliberate, often outrageous, exaggeration. It may be used for serious or comic effect.

Understatement The opposite of hyperbole. It is a kind of verbal irony that deliberately represents something as being less than it is.

Generalization A conclusion you draw from similarities and patterns among various examples.

Inference The conclusions a reader develops based upon the information presented.