Literary Terms 2

Plot The sequence of events in a narrative

work. The plot is made up of the following elements: Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action Resolution

Plot (ctd)

Exposition Introduction to the story Reader gets information about the

characters, setting, conflicts, etc. “Background information”

Rising Action Occurs in the story as complications,

twists, or intensifications of the conflict occurs.

The action that leads up to the climax

Climax The emotional high point of the story. The “turning point”

Falling Action The action that follows the climax and

leads to the resolution.

Resolution The part of the plot that concludes the

falling action by revealing or suggesting the outcome of the conflict.

Setting The time and place in which the events

of a story, novel, or play take place. Often helps create atmosphere or mood Not just physical- includes ideas,

customs, values, and beliefs of a particular time and place.

Point of view The perspective from which a story is

told 1st period 3rd person omniscient 3rd person limited

First person POV The narrator is a character in the story Narrator uses “I” Reader sees everything through the

character’s eyes.

3rd person Limited POV Narrator reveals the thoughts, feelings,

and observations of only ONE character. Refers to that character as “he” or “she” but is not actually that character.

3rd person omniscient POV “All- knowing” narrator The narrator is not a character in the

story, but is someone who stands outside of the action and comments.

Knows everything about the characters in the story and may reveal details that the characters couldn’t.

Hyperbole A figure of speech in which great

exaggeration is used for emphasis or humorous effect.

Imagery The “word pictures” that writer’s use to help

evoke an emotional response in readers. In creating effective imagery, writers use sensory details, or descriptions that appeal to one or more of the five senses. Sight Hearing Touch Taste Smell

Foreshadowing An author’s use of clues that hint at

events that will occur later in the plot. Helps to build suspense as well as

prepare readers for what is to come.

Flashback A literary device in which an earlier

episode, conversation, or event is inserted into the chronological sequence of a narrative.

Conflict The struggle between opposing forces in

a story or play.

Man vs Man A conflict that occurs between two

characters.

Man vs Self An internal struggle within a character. Also known as an internal conflict.

Man vs Nature A conflict in which a character must

overcome a force of nature. External conflict

Man vs gods/fate Man versus fate occurs when a

character is compelled to follow an unknown destiny. Man versus fate conflict breeds internal conflict, while forcing a character to consciously, or subconsciously, act on his or her fate.

Internal struggle

Man vs society When characters struggle against the

their culture and government External conflict

Paradox A situation or statement that involves

two parts, both of which are true but seem to contradict each other.

Characterization The method the author uses to reveal a

character’s personality. Two types:

Direct Indirect

Direct Characterization The author or narrator makes direct

statements about a character’s traits. “She was nice” “He was very religious”

Indirect Characterization The author or speaker reveals a

character’s personality through the character’s own words, thoughts, and actions and through the words, ,thoughts, and actions of other characters.

Kody kicked the stray cat as he walked by.

Character An individual in a literary work. May be people, animals, robots, or

whatever the author chooses.

Dynamic Character A character that develops and changes

over the course of a literary work.

Static Character A character that remains the same

throughout a literary work from beginning to end.

Round Character A character that shows many, and some

times contradictory traits.

Flat Character A character that only reveals one

personality trait.

Protagonist The central character in a literary work

around whom the main conflict revolves. Often, the person with whom the

audience members or readers sympathize or identify with.

Antagonist The person or force in society or nature

that opposes the protagonist in a literary work.

Archetype A very typical example of a certain

person or thing. The airhead The jock Mystery story Love story

Theme The main idea or message of a literary

work. An insight about life or human nature. Stated- one which is expressed directly

and explicitly. Implied- a theme that is revealed

gradually through other literary elements (plot, setting, character, point of view, imagery, etc)