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 (narrated)
First Person Narrator
The narrator is a part of the story and uses personal prom nouns such as ‘I’ and ‘Me’
Third Person Narrator
The narrator is an outside voice telling the story, not a part of the story
Third Person Omniscient Narrator
The narrator is an outside voice that is all-knowing and can tell a character’s thoughts and feelings.
Protagonist
the central character or hero
Antagonist
a person or force that opposes the protagonist
Setting
the time and place in which a story takes place
Plot (Exposition)
the basic background information is revealed. Setting, character, past events
Plot (Rising Action)
conflicts develop
Plot (Climax)
the turning point of the story; interest and intensity are at it’s peak
Plot (Falling Action)
events that occur after the climax
Plot (Resolution)
the main moral; or message of a piece of literature
Conflict
problem
Internal Conflict
problem within a character’s own mind- a personal conflict
External Conflict
a problem a character faces with an outside force
a. character vs. character
b. character vs. nature
c. character vs. society
Situational Irony
when something other then 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 starts for something greater than itself
EXAMPLES: The Necklace
Direct Characterization
tells the audience what the personality of the chatacter is
Indirect Characterization
shows things that reveal the personality of a character. This can be revealed through a characters speech, thoughts, sections, interactions with other characters, etc. (infer!)
