Literary Terms Flashcards
Character Motivation
knowing the purpose for why a character does something in a story
Irony
a contrast between what is stated and what is really meant or between what supposed to happen
Personification
when the author gives non human objects human qualities
conflict
a disagreement or argument
theme
the main subject that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing. what you take away from the story.
symbol
a thing that represents or stands for something else
mood
the atmosphere or major emotion that is a story arouses in the reader
direct characterization
when the author tells the reader what characters are like through description
indirect characterization
when the author shows what the characters are like through their thoughts, their speech, and their actions
foreshadowing
when the author includes a hint or clue that shows action to one
juxtaposition
when the author places a person, concepts, place, or idea next to each other
Truly Human Traits
Compassion for Others
Courage to stand up for beliefs
Willingness to defend the defenseless
Passion to Pursue Goals
Contrast and Contradictions Signpost
When a character does something that’s the opposite of what he has been doing all along
Tough Question Signpost
When you’re reading and the character asks himself a really difficult question
Aha Moment Signpost
When a character realizes, understands, or finally figures something out.
