Literary and Short Story Elements/Devices Test Flashcards
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
language that is expanded beyond literal meaning (imagery,allusion,hyperbole,symbolism, idiom)
MOTIF
a recurrent image,idea, or symbol that explains a theme
CONFLICT
the struggle between the main character and any outside forces
PLOT
sequence of events in a story (There are a minimum of 8 but can be as many as 10)
IRONY
contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs
CONFLICT TYPES
Person Vs. Person- Person Vs. Society- Person Vs. Nature- (All External)- Person Vs. Self(Internal)
SIMILE
a comparison using like or as
CHARACTER
a person or animal in a story that displays distinct personality traits
IMAGERY
language that appeals to the senses
CHARACTERIZATION
the way an author reveals the personality of a character
SETTING
the time and place a story/literature takes place
RISING ACTION
when something happens to start a story
ALLUSION
a reference to a person, place, thing, event, of historical importance
FORESHADOWING
the use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot
POINT of View P.O.V
method vantage point from which a story is told (1st person/2nd person/3rd person)
METAPHOR
a comparison between two unlike things in which one is said to be the other thing
EXTENDED METAPHOR
a lengthy comparison between two unlike things extended over several lines or the entire work
REPETITION
when a word or phrase is repeated within the text to make emphasize a point by the author or character
THEME
the general idea, lesson, or insight about life revealed by a work of literature
OXYMORON
two opposite ideas combined into one term
FLASHBACK
an interruption in the present action of a plot to show earlier events
SOLILOQUY
when an actor speaks his/her thoughts directly to the audience
STATIC CHARACTER
changes very little or not at all through literary work
DYNAMIC CHARACTER
changes a great deal over the course of the story
ROUND CHARACTER
is unique; has personality; is interesting
FLAT CHARACTER
is one-dimensional and easily stereotyped
FALLING ACTION
the action following a climax; cooling down
ONOMATOPOEIA
the use of words to suggest sounds
PERSONIFICATION
when human qualities are given to an animal or object
MOOD
the feeling created for the reader by the author
IDIOM
an expression/saying that means something different from its literal meaning
RED HERRING
a deliberate attempt by the author to misdirect or divert the reader’s attention
CLIFFHANGER
when a story ends suddenly with an unsatisfying but usually suspenseful ending
RESOLUTION/DENOUEMENT
the solution of the conflict of a story
SYMBOLISM
a person,place, or thing that stands for something beyond itself. A dove is a symbol for peace
CLIMAX
the high point or turning point of a story
DRAMATIC IRONY
when the audience/reader is meant to understand as something unexpected happens, but at least one character does not.
SITUATIONAL IRONY
When the audience/reader is misled and then something unexpected happens
EXPOSITION
the beginning of a story
DIALOGUE
a conversation between two or more characters in a story
INTERNAL CONFLICT
a struggle within the character’s mind
DIALECT
the way of speaking that is characteristic(specific to) a certain geographic area or a certain group of people
HYPERBOLE
exaggeration
TONE
the author’s attitude towards their subject matter
CONNOTATION
a meaning, association, or emotion suggested by a word in addition to its dictionary definition
NARRATOR
the person or character who tells the story and gives background information
PROTAGONIST
the main character/hero in a story found in the center of the conflict or action
ANTAGONIST
the force or character that works against the main character/hero
FOIL
this character is presented for comparison & contrast of the main character
