Literary Terms

Question 1

Characterization

Answer 1

The method in which the author develops a character. This includes the character’s thoughts, words, actions, and what the narrator and other characters say about him/her.

Question 2

Protagonist

Answer 2

The central character or hero. (MAIN CHARACTER)

Question 3

Antagonist

Answer 3

A person or force that opposes the protagonist.

Question 4

Setting

Answer 4

The time and place in which a story takes place.

Question 5

Plot

Answer 5

The structure of the story.

Question 6

exposition

Answer 6

The basic background info is revealed.

Question 7

rising action

Answer 7

Conflict develop.

Question 8

climax

Answer 8

The turning point of the story; the interest and intensity are at its peak.

Question 9

falling action

Answer 9

Events that occur after the climax.

Question 10

resolution

Answer 10

Conflicts are resolved; the way things are going to be from now on.

Question 11

Theme

Answer 11

The main moral or message of a piece of literature.

Question 12

Conflict

Answer 12

Problem

Question 13

internal conflict

Answer 13

A personal conflict

a. Man vs. Man
b. Man vs. Nature
c. Man vs. Society

Question 14

external conflict

Answer 14

Problem with outside forces.

a. Man vs. Man
b. Man vs. Nature
c. Man vs. Society

Question 15

Point of View (POV)

Answer 15

The perspective from which the story is told. (narrators)

Question 16

first Person

Answer 16

The narrator is a part of the story and uses personal pronouns. (I, me, my)

Question 17

third Person

Answer 17

The narrator (He, she, they)

Question 18

situational irony

Answer 18

When something other than what is expected to happen happens.

Question 19

dramatic irony

Answer 19

When the reader or audience knows more about a situation than a character.

Question 20

verbal irony

Answer 20

When a person says or writes something but means something else.

Question 21

Symbolism

Answer 21

When an object stands for something greater than itself.