Literary terms and devices #2

Direct characterization Definition: When the writer describes a character directly through actions or words; tells the audience directly what the personality of the character is.

Direct characterization Example: The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother. The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

Indirect characterization Definition: Using your own judgment or making an inference to decide what a character is like based on details the writer gives us (often through other characters’ observations); shows the audience through speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, or looks

Indirect characterization Example: “What drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word/As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee./Have at thee, coward!” (I.i.70-72) Tybalt says this to Benvolio, instigating the fight in scene one Reveals Tybalt’s character through indirect characterization- fiery, fierce temper, aggressive

Dynamic character Definition: A character who changes significantly as a result of events in the story

Dynamic character Example: Nurse in R&J In the beginning of the play, Nurse seems to be totally on Juliet's side, and, although she does sometimes act as Juliet's mother, she also acts as her friend.  Once Tybalt is killed, the Nurse begins to change the way that she acts around and responds to Juliet.  She then tells her that she should forget Romeo and that Paris might be the better man for her.

Flat character Definition: A character who has only one or two traits; can be described in a few words.

Flat character Example: Paris is R&J As suitor to Juliet he is a polite and courteous gentleman. He does not change in his demeanor and is loyal to her even after death.

foil Definition: Character that is used to contrast another character (a bad character makes a good character look better or vice versa)

foil Example: Rosaline to Juliet Paris to Romeo Benvolio to Tybalt

foreshadow Definition: The use of clues to hint at events that will occur later in the plot.

foreshadow Example: “I fear, too early. For my mind misgives some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, shall bitterly begin this fearful date with this night’s revels and expire the term of a despised life, closed in my breast, by some vile forfeit of untimely death”. Romeo seems to imagine that by attending their enemy’s party something is about to happen that will eventually lead to his death.

theme Definition: Point the author is trying to make or the lesson learned in the story.

theme Example: for R&J The inevitability of fate The individual vs society Love as a cause of violence

Dramatic irony Definition: A type of irony wherein the audience or reader knows what is going to happen but the characters do not.

Dramatic irony Example: from R&J The audience knows from the beginning of the prologue the two lovers are doomed and will die

Situational irony Definition: A type of irony where there is a contrast between what would seem appropriate and what really happens.

Situational irony Example: the young lovers do end up spending eternity together, but not in the way the audience had hoped

Verbal irony Definition: A type of irony where a writer or speaker says one thing but really means something completely different.

Verbal irony Example: the Prologue in Act I opens with "Two households, both alike in dignity, . . ." When you first read this, you may think that the two families are pretty dignified or honorable. As the play goes on, however, you realize that each family is violently competitive. They are similarly undignified