Literary Terms

Front

Characterization

Back

The ways the author develops a character, using speech, thoughts, actions, reactions of others, and descriptions.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.7.6

Front

Plot

Back

The main events that occur in the story.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Man vs Fate

Back

A type of conflict where the main character struggles with what is supposed to happen to them (e.g., an arranged marriage, having to join the military).

Front

Climax

Back

The point in the plot where the conflict gets worked out.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Conflict

Back

The main struggle of the story.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Exposition

Back

The introduction of background information, setting, and characters in a story.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Resolution

Back

The part of the story where the conflict is resolved and the story concludes.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Antagonist

Back

The character or force that opposes the protagonist in a story.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character in a story, often facing a conflict.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

Front

Theme

Back

The central idea or message conveyed in a literary work.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.7.2