Literary Terms Flashcards
Characterization
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.
Protagonist
The central character or hero. (MAIN CHARACTER)
Antagonist
A person or force that opposes the protagonist.
Setting
The time and place in which a story takes place.
Plot
The structure of the story.
exposition
The basic background info is revealed.
rising action
Conflict develop.
climax
The turning point of the story; the 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.
Theme
The main moral or message of a piece of literature.
Conflict
Problem
internal conflict
A personal conflict
a. Man vs. Man
b. Man vs. Nature
c. Man vs. Society
external conflict
Problem with outside forces.
a. Man vs. Man
b. Man vs. Nature
c. Man vs. Society
Point of View (POV)
The perspective from which the story is told. (narrators)
first Person
The narrator is a part of the story and uses personal pronouns. (I, me, my)
third Person
The narrator (He, she, they)
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.
