Literary Devices

Front

What is the main character of a story called?

Back

Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing challenges and driving the plot.

Front

What is it called when human characteristics are given to non-living objects?

Back

Personification: A literary device where human traits are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.

Front

What term describes a struggle between opposing forces?

Back

Conflict: The central struggle that drives the narrative, involving opposing forces.

Front

What is it called when the author directly describes a character's traits?

Back

Direct Characterization: When the author explicitly tells the reader what a character is like.

Front

What is the term for comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'?

Back

Simile: A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two different things using 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is the term for exaggeration used for emphasis?

Back

Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis.

Front

What is a literary device that uses symbols to represent ideas or qualities?

Back

Symbolism: The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings.

Front

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

Back

Theme: The central topic, subject, or message within a narrative.

Front

What is the term for a character who opposes the protagonist?

Back

Antagonist: A character or force in conflict with the main character, often creating obstacles.

Front

What is the term for a comparison that does not use 'like' or 'as'?

Back

Metaphor: A figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another, implying a comparison.