Literary Terms ELA 8

Front

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in words: for example: rough and ready; Willy Wonka; She sells seashells.

Like assonance, consonance, and rhyme, alliteration is often used to create a musical quality in language, to emphasize certain words, or to unify a poem or song.

Back

Alliteration

Front

The opponent or enemy of the main character, or protagonist. 

In literature, the person or force that opposes the protagonist, or main character, in a story, creating the central conflict that drives the narrative forward. This opposition can come from a human character, a group, an animal, a natural element like a storm, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist. The primary role is to present obstacles that the protagonist must overcome, which in turn allows the protagonist to grow and develop throughout the story.

Back

Antagonist

Front

Words spoken to the audience by a character in a drama that are not supposed to be heard by the other characters onstage. An aside is usually used to let the audience know what a character is thinking.

Back

Aside

Front

Means of revealing a character's personality

The means through which an author reveals a character's personality. This may be "direct" or "indirect." In direct __________, the writer or a narrator tells the reader what the character is like: "Ben was a quiet, serious boy." In indirect _________, the author shows the reader or audience member what the character is like through (1) how the character looks, (2) what the character does, (3) what the character says, (4) what the character thinks, and (5) how the character affects other characters. From these shared things, the reader or audience member understands the character's personality.

Example:

direct: Max is smart.

indirect: Max received his report card with straight As.

Back

Characterization

Front

Point of highest intensity in a narrative

The point in a play, novel, short story, or narrative poem at which the conflict reaches its greatest intensity and is then resolved. Also, this is usually the part of a narrative when the reader or audience member experiences the most-intense emotions.

Back

Climax

Front

Conversation between characters in literature

The conversation between characters in a work of literature, serving to advance the plot, reveal character personalities, provide exposition, and create a more engaging and realistic experience for the reader. It can be outer (spoken aloud between characters) or inner (a character's thoughts). Effective dialogue is natural, purpose-driven, and uses techniques like subtext and sparingly used dialogue tags to convey meaning without being awkward or repetitive.

Back

Dialogue

Front

Character with significant internal change

A complex, multi-faceted figure with depth, contradictions, and relatable human qualities, like a well-developed personality. These characters, who are often the protagonist or antagonist, are endowed with detailed backstories, inner conflicts, and motivations that evolve throughout the story, making them appear lifelike and often surprising to the reader.

Back

Round character

Front

Definition of words beyond literal meaning

The literal meaning of a word is its definition as you would find it in a dictionary. _________ language uses words in some way other than for their literal meanings to make a comparison, add emphasis, or say something in a fresh and creative way. Examples include: alliteration, hyperbole, idiom, imagery, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, and simile.

Back

Figurative language

Front

Scene from the past in a story

A scene in a story that occurred before the present time in the story. A __________ provides background information about events happening during the current narration. They may be presented as memories, dreams, or stories of the past.

Back

Flashback

Front

Clues about future events in a story

Clues or hints about something that is going to happen later in the story.

Authors use ___________ to build suspense and to prepare the reader for what happens later.

Back

foreshadowing