1. 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.

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

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

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

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

6. 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.

7. Antagonist
The character who
opposes the
protagonist.

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

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

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

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

19. 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.

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

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

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

23. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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