Literary Terms Tool Box Flashcards
Characterization
the method in which the author develops a character. That includes the character’s thoughts, words, actions and what the author says about him/her.
direct characterization
tells you directly
indirect characterization
actions, words, thought (show)
dynamic characterization
character changes
static characterization
character remains the same
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
the structure of the story
exposition (plot)
the basic background information is revealed
rising action (plot)
conflict develops
climax (plot)
the turning point of the story
falling action (plot)
events that occur after the climax
resolution (plot)
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)
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
point of view
the perspective from which a story is told (narrated)
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 narrators an outside voice that is all-knowing and can tell a character’s thoughts and feelings.
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
