Understanding Literary Terms

Front

Aside

Back

Words spoken to the audience by a character in a drama that are not supposed to be heard by the other characters onstage.

Front

Simile

Back

Comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as."

Front

Alliteration

Back

Repetition of the beginning sound, Fred's frozen french fries.

Front

Idiom

Back

An expression that cannot be understood from the meaning of the words. Ex. It's raining cats and dogs.

Front

Dynamic Character

Back

A character that goes through changes

Front

Onomatopoeia

Back

A word that imitates the sound it represents.

Front

Characterization

Back

The characters personality.

1. 1. Direct Characterization-tells the reader what the character is like

2. 2. Indirect Characterization-SHOWS the reader what the character is like

Front

Symbolism

Back

Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Front

Major Character

Back

A main or important character

Front

Minor Character

Back

A character that does not play a large role