Literary Terms Flashcards
Conflict
A struggle or problem in a narrative.
Situational Irony
When the opposite of what is expected occurs.
Inciting incident
The initial event that gets the story going.
Rising action
The building of suspense usually through a series of crisis or conflicts.
Climax
The point in the plot where there is no turning back. It is the point of highest intensity.
Falling action
The point in the story where the conflicts are resolved. Mysteries are unravelled and confusions are set straight.
Resolution
Complete of the action.
Foreshadowing
Clues in a narrative as to the potential outcome of the events.
Theme
The theme is the central/main idea or the underlying meaning of a story.
Symbolism
A concrete object that represents an abstract idea of concept.
Diction
Deliberate word choice
Suspense
The creation of anxiety and tension in the reader as to the outcome of future events.
Metaphor
A comparison that does not use like or as.
Simile
A comparison drawing using like or as.
Tone
The attitude the author has towards the issue.
Pathetic Fallacy
When the weather matches the character’s feeling. A technique used to create a mood/tone.
Onomatopoeia
The imitation of a non human sound.
Bias
Is to possess a particular view on a topic or issue.
Setting
The time, place and circumstances of where a narrative occurs.
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something the character doesn’t. Or knows more than the character.
Verbal irony
A character says one thin but means the opposite
Point of view/perspective
How the story is being told
Ex) first person, third person
Dialogue
Conversations that characters have among each other.
Dynamic character
Changes during the story.
