Literary Terms

Question 1

A character, or group of characters, which opposes the protagonist

Answer 1

Antagonist

Question 2

The process that the author uses to reveal the personality of a character. Details are taught to the reader about a character either directly or indirectly

Answer 2

Characterization

Question 3

Informal or everyday language (phrases/sayings/profanity/contractions); it varies from story to story as it often depends on the dialect spoken by the characters

Answer 3

Colloquial language

Question 4

A conflict, problem, or situation which has two possible solutions. A character may have to choose between two desirable options or two undesirable options

Answer 4

Dilemma

Question 5

When a character is directly described by the narrator or the other characters. The author usually does this using descriptive adjectives or phrases

Answer 5

Direct presentation

Question 6

The moment in the story when a character has a realization or sudden feeling of knowledge about something very important. This can be a realization about themselves, someone else, or something in the world around them

Answer 6

Epiphany

Question 7

A character with little to no personality or complex emotions; they also often conform to a stereotype (two-dimensional character)

Answer 7

Flat character

Question 8

A character that exhibits opposite or conflicting traits to another character. They are sometimes the antagonist to the protagonist. They show contrast to the other character

Answer 8

Character foil

Question 9

A character that undergoes significant inner change throughout the story through the conflict they endure. This change can be to their personality, attitude, or maturity level

Answer 9

Dynamic character

Question 10

A literary device that gives hints to readers about something that it going to happen later on in the story. It creates a lot of suspense and dramatic tension

Answer 10

Foreshadowing

Question 11

When a character is not described directly by the author, but rather the description is gathered through the character’s speech, actions, and reactions

Answer 11

Indirect presentation

Question 12

When a character grapples with two opposite emotions or desires within. They have to ruminate over the choice they should make

Answer 12

Internal conflict

Question 13

A literary device that is designed to evoke emotion in readers. It is the Greek word for “suffering” or “experience”. Its goal is to stir people’s emotions effectively enough that their opinion is swayed towards the speaker

Answer 13

Pathos

Question 14

A literary device that is used to evoke certain auras or feelings; it is achieved through the language the author writes with. It essentially creates an emotional setting for the readers, and can be described using adjectives

Answer 14

Mood

Question 15

The struggle between two opposing forces, usually involving the protagonist and antagonist. It makes up the plot of the story

Answer 15

Conflict

Question 16

A character that is deep and layered; they have a complex personality and are often very interesting. The reader is invested in their successes, failures, and goals

Answer 16

Round character

Question 17

The location and time in which the plot takes place; there can be multiple in one story

Answer 17

Setting

Question 18

A character that does not undergo an important inner change over the course of the story. Their personality and attitude remain essentially the same at the end

Answer 18

Static character

Question 19

A person, object, or situation which represents something in addition to its literal meaning

Answer 19

Symbol

Question 20

The main topic or underlying meaning of a literary work. It is usually not stated directly, but rather needs to be interpreted by the reader from the text

Answer 20

Theme

Question 21

A literary term that describes when what appears to be the case actually differs radically from what is actually the case (types include dramatic, verbal, or situational)

Answer 21

Irony