Literary Terms

Question 1

Characterization

Answer 1

How a writer reveals the personality of a character

Question 2

Direct Characterization

Answer 2

Narrator tells personality of characters

Question 3

Indirect Characterization

Answer 3

Narrator shows personality of characters

Question 4

5 types of indirect characterization

Answer 4

1. Looks/Appearance
2. Speech
3. Relationships/Interactions
4. Actions
5. Thoughts/Feelings

Question 5

Static Character

Answer 5

Character who does not change throughout the story

Question 6

Dynamic Character

Answer 6

Character who changes and evolves throughout the story

Question 7

Monologue

Answer 7

A long speech given by one character in a story

Question 8

Foil

Answer 8

A character who’s qualities or actions serve to emphasize those of another character, contrasting with one another

Question 9

Tragic Hero

Answer 9

A protagonist who does good but ultimately is destined for a tragic end

Question 10

Tragedy vs. Comedy (in terms of traditional Greek plays)

Answer 10

Tragedy:
- Big, heavy themes
- Crimes, mistakes
- Sometimes results in deaths

Comedy:
- Lighthearted
- Pokes fun at/mocks people or groups
- Sit-com ish

Question 11

Simile

Answer 11

A comparison between two unlike things using the words “like” or “as”

Question 12

Metaphor

Answer 12

A comparison of two unlike things without the use of “like” or “as”

Question 13

Juxtaposition

Answer 13

Two contrasting ideas placed right next to each other

Question 14

Hyperbole

Answer 14

An exaggeration

Question 15

Apostrophe

Answer 15

Directly addressing someone/something who is not present

Question 16

Alliteration

Answer 16

Multiple words placed closely together all starting with the same letter

Question 17

Personification

Answer 17

Assigning human characteristics to non-human things

Question 18

Foreshadowing

Answer 18

A subtle warning or hint as to what will happen later in a story

Question 19

Irony

Answer 19

Juxtaposition of what is expected vs what actually happens

Question 20

Dramatic Irony

Answer 20

When the audience/reader knows something that some, or all, characters in the story don’t

Question 21

Verbal Irony

Answer 21

When a character says something, but means the opposite (or something different)

Question 22

Situational Irony

Answer 22

When something happens that is the opposite of what was expected

Question 23

Round Character

Answer 23

A “deep” character who’s personality changes depending on the situation

Question 24

Flat Chatracter

Answer 24

A character who can always be described by one or two words

Question 25

Euphemism

Answer 25

A “nicer” way of saying things in less offensive words.

Ex.
You’re being let go (fired)

Question 26

Soliloquy

Answer 26

When a character makes a speech while alone on stage, or for no one to hear but the audience.

Question 27

Motif