Powerful Academic Words

Front

Antagonist

Back

The character(s) who cause(s) problems for the protagonist.

Front

The Main Idea

Back

What the text is about.

Front

Figurative Language

Back

A way of using words that goes beyond their literal meanings.

Front

Theme

Back

The lesson or message of a story.

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character of the story. Stories are often told from their point of view.

Front

Characterization

Back

The process of describing a character's personality through thoughts, actions, speech, or dialogue.

Front

Conflict

Back

The struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Front

Setting

Back

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Front

Plot

Back

The sequence of events in a story.

Front

Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.