The Onion and Lit Terms

Front

What is the central character of a novel, drama, short story, or poem called?

Back

protagonist

Front

What point of view uses 'I' and involves the speaker in the story?

Back

First Person Point of View

Front

What term describes an observation of life that serves as a controlling idea in a literary work?

Back

theme

Front

What is the central problem or issue to be resolved in a plot called?

Back

Conflict

Front

Who is the adversary or rival of the protagonist?

Back

antagonist

Front

What is the term for the sequence of events in a story?

Back

plot

Front

What literary device involves giving human traits to non-human entities?

Back

personification

Front

What is the term for the emotional atmosphere of a literary work?

Back

mood

Front

What is the term for the underlying message or main idea of a literary work?

Back

theme

Front

What is the term for a recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story?

Back

motif