Literature Terms

First Person

A character in the story is telling the story. First person pronouns (I) are usually used. Question whether the narrator is reliable.

Static

A character who does not change throughout the story.

Dynamic

A character whose personality changes over the course of the story. Internal change.

Simile

A comparison between two unlike objects using "like" or "as." Use the qualities of the second item and apply them to the first item.

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike objects where one is said to be the other (no "like" or "as"). Use the qualities of the second item and apply them to the first item.

Conflict

A problem or struggle between two opposing forces that is needed for the plot of a story.

Symbol

A word, place, character, or object that means something beyond what it is on a literal level. A concrete object that represents an abstract idea, quality, character, or object.

Rising Action

Also called the complications, rising action is the events that create interest, suspense, and where the character tries to overcome the obstacles they face; builds intensity. Begins with an inciting incident, starts the conflict.

Third Person

An outside narrator tells the story.

Indirect Characterization

Description of the character is given through dialogue, actions, other's comments. We make judgments and inferences about their character. Also given through physical appearance.

Foreshadow

Hints about coming events (problems, solutions, creates suspense)

CHARACTER VS. SELF

Involves characters' psychological conflicts with themselves. Examples include overcoming a drug habit, grieving over the loss of a loved one, going insane, etc.

CHARACTER VS. SOCIETY

Involves tension/conflict between an individual and larger groups Examples include a poor character's struggle to make it in the business world, an immigrant trying to fit into a new culture, etc.

CHARACTER VS. FATE

Involves tension/conflict between an individual and the idea of destiny, good or bad luck, or chance--all beyond the character's control. Examples include being injured by a stray bullet, getting into an accident with a drunk driver, etc.

CHARACTER VS. NATURE

Involves tension/conflict between an individual and the natural world. Examples include fighting a hurricane, surviving in a snowstorm, etc.

CHARACTER VS. CHARACTER

Involves tension/conflicts between people. Examples include family conflict, trouble with a bully, difficulties in romance, etc.

Figurative Language

Language that contains a deeper meaning than just the literal meaning. Figurative is the opposite of literal.

Irony

Opposite of what is meant: sarcasm. Ex.) The Giver, the Elders decided to take away everyone's feelings etc., said they were making it better, but it made people act more like robots and less like humans.

Situational Irony

Something happens that is opposite to what you normally expect to happen.

Verbal Irony

Something is said but the opposite is implied. Ex.) Animal Farm: Napoleon said he would make everything better for the animals, but he made everything worse.

Falling Action

The action and dialogue following the climax that leads the reader into the story's end; the result of the climax. Usually a lessening of tension.

Plot

The action that makes up the story, following a plan called the plot line. The sequence of events that make up the action of the story.

Point of View

The angle or viewpoint from which a story is told (vantage point)

Mood

The atmosphere and feelings produced in a story.

Characterization

The description of a character.

Resolution

The final outcome of the story in which the problems are solved and the action comes to an end.

Antagonist

The force or character opposing the protagonist who tries to stop the protagonist from reaching their desired goal.

Climax

The highest point of tension, and also the major turning point. Decisive moment.

Protagonist

The main character of a story.

Imagery

The mental pictures and sensory perceptions that the readers experience within a passage of literature. Can appeal to all 5 senses.

Theme

The message or truth about life or human nature that is "the focus" in the story that the writer tells. Themes run throughout an entire work.

Tone

The narrator's attitude or their tone of voice. Tone is revealed/developed by the narrator's choice of words.

Exposition

The part of the story, usually near the beginning, in which characters are introduced, the background is explained, and the setting is described.

Setting

The time, place, situations, and conditions of a story.

Hyperbole

The trope of exaggeration or overstatement.

Personification

When someone gives human qualities to things that are not human.

Dramatic Irony

When the reader knows something about present or future circumstances that the character does not know.

Direct Characterization

When the writer directly describes the character - (personality, traits, appearance, etc.)