Literary Terms Flashcards
Characterization
How a writer reveals the personality of a character
Direct Characterization
Narrator tells personality of characters
Indirect Characterization
Narrator shows personality of characters
5 types of indirect characterization
- Looks/Appearance
- Speech
- Relationships/Interactions
- Actions
- Thoughts/Feelings
Static Character
Character who does not change throughout the story
Dynamic Character
Character who changes and evolves throughout the story
Monologue
A long speech given by one character in a story
Foil
A character who’s qualities or actions serve to emphasize those of another character, contrasting with one another
Tragic Hero
A protagonist who does good but ultimately is destined for a tragic end
Tragedy vs. Comedy (in terms of traditional Greek plays)
Tragedy:
- Big, heavy themes
- Crimes, mistakes
- Sometimes results in deaths
Comedy:
- Lighthearted
- Pokes fun at/mocks people or groups
- Sit-com ish
Simile
A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”
Metaphor
A comparison of two unlike things without the use of “like” or “as”
Juxtaposition
Two contrasting ideas placed right next to each other
Hyperbole
An exaggeration
Apostrophe
Directly addressing someone/something who is not present
Alliteration
Multiple words placed closely together all starting with the same letter
Personification
Assigning human characteristics to non-human things
Foreshadowing
A subtle warning or hint as to what will happen later in a story
Irony
Juxtaposition of what is expected vs what actually happens
Dramatic Irony
When the audience/reader knows something that some, or all, characters in the story don’t
Verbal Irony
When a character says something, but means the opposite (or something different)
Situational Irony
When something happens that is the opposite of what was expected
Round Character
A “deep” character who’s personality changes depending on the situation
Flat Chatracter
A character who can always be described by one or two words
Euphemism
A “nicer” way of saying things in less offensive words.
Ex.
You’re being let go (fired)
Soliloquy
When a character makes a speech while alone on stage, or for no one to hear but the audience.
Motif
