Literary Terms Flashcards
Characterization
The method in which the author develops a character. This includes the character’s thoughts, words, and actions, and what the narrator and other characters say about him/her.
Theme
the main moral or message of a piece of literature
Point of View
The perspective from which a story is told
First person
The narrator is a part of the story and uses personal pronouns (I,me)
Third person
The narrator is an outside voice telling the story, not a part of the story
Third person omniscient
The narrator is an outside voice that is all-knowing and can tell a character’s thoughts and feelings
Protagonist
Central character or hero
Antagonist
A person or force that opposes the protagonist
Setting
Time and place in which a story takes place
Plot
Structure of a story
Exposition
Basic background information is revealed, foundation for the story. Includes setting, characters, and previous conflicts
Rising action
Conflicts develop
Climax
Turning point of the story; interest and intensity are at its peak
Falling action
Events that occur after the climax
Resolution
Conflicts are resolved; the way things are going to be from now on
Situational Irony
When something other than what is expected to happen happens
Dramatic Irony
When the reader or audience knows more about a situation than a character
Verbal Irony
When a person says or writes something, but means something else
Symbolism
When an object stands for something greater than itself
Conflict
Problem
Internal Conflict
(Within a character’s own mind- a personal conflict)
External Conflict
(A problem a character faces with an outside force)
Man Vs Man
Man Vs Nature
Man Vs Society
Direct Characterization
tells the audience what the personality of the character is
Indirect Characterization
shows things that reveal the personality of a character
- this can be revealed through a character’s speech, thoughts, actions, interactions w. others, etc.
