ELA Vocab Flashcards
Characterization
The author’s meaning of conveying to the reader a character’s personality, life history, values, physical attributes, ect. Also refers directly to a description thereof.
The author’s meaning of conveying to the reader a character’s personality, life history, values, physical attributes, ect. Also refers directly to a description thereof.
Characterization
Protagonist
The main character in a story, the one with whom the reader is meant to identify. The person is not necessarily “good” by any conventional moral system standard, but he/she is the person in whose plight the reader is mostly invested.
The main character in a story, the one with whom the reader is meant to identify. The person is not necessarily “good” by any conventional moral system standard, but he/she is the person in whose plight the reader is mostly invested.
Protagonist
Antagonist
Counterpart to the main character and source of a story’s main conflict. The person may not be “bad” or “evil” by any conventional moral standard, but he/she opposes the protagonist in a significant way.
Counterpart to the main character and source of a story’s main conflict. The person may not be “bad” or “evil” by any conventional moral standard, but he/she opposes the protagonist in a significant way.
Antagonist
Plot
Sequence of events in a story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
Sequence of events in a story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
Plot
Point of View
The identity of the narrative voice; the person or entity through whom the reader experiences the story
The identity of the narrative voice; the person or entity through whom the reader experiences the story
Point of View
Tone
The author’s attitude towards the subject
The author’s attitude towards the subject
Tone
Mood
The atmosphere created by a text; the feeling induced in the reader
The atmosphere created by a text; the feeling induced in the reader
Mood
Structure
The manner in which the various elements of a story are assembled
The manner in which the various elements of a story are assembled
Structure
Connotation
A complex literary device wherein the intended meaning is not stated clearly and is instead conveyed through covert, indirect means. Connotations leave a little of the meaning unstated so that the reader can decode it for himself.
A complex literary device wherein the intended meaning is not stated clearly and is instead conveyed through covert, indirect means. Connotations leave a little of the meaning unstated so that the reader can decode it for himself.
Connotation
Theme
A central, unifying, idea
A central, unifying, idea
Theme
Repetition
Where a specific word, phrase, or structure is repeated several times, to emphasize a particular idea
Where a specific word, phrase, or structure is repeated several times, to emphasize a particular idea
Repetition
Alliteration
A literary device where words are used in quick succession and began with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Alliteration is also created when the words all begin with the same letter.
A literary device where words are used in quick succession and began with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether it is the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, the alliteration involves creating a repetition of similar sounds in the sentence. Alliteration is also created when the words all begin with the same letter.
Alliteration
Dialogue
Where characters speak to one another; may often be used to substitute for exposition.
Where characters speak to one another; may often be used to substitute for exposition.
Dialogue
Imagery
language which describes something in detail, using words to substitute for and create sensory stimulation, including visual imagery and sound imagery
language which describes something in detail, using words to substitute for and create sensory stimulation, including visual imagery and sound imagery
Imagery
Foreshadowing
Where future events or the outcome of the story is suggested by the author before it happens
Where future events or the outcome of the story is suggested by the author before it happens
Foreshadowing
Irony
A literary device involving a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between what’s expected and what actually occurs
A literary device involving a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between what’s expected and what actually occurs
Irony
Figurative language
Any use of language where the intended meaning differs from the actual literal meaning of the words themselves
Any use of language where the intended meaning differs from the actual literal meaning of the words themselves
Figurative language
Metaphor
Makes a direct comparison between two unlike things (without like or as)
Makes a direct comparison between two unlike things (without like or as)
Metaphor
Personification
Where inanimate objects or abstract concepts have human qualitys
Where inanimate objects or abstract concepts have human qualitys
Personification
Symbolism
The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas
The use of specific objects or images to represent abstract ideas
Symbolism
