Literary terms

Front

POV

Back

The perspective in which the story is told.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Suspense

Back

A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

Diction

Back

The author's or speaker's word choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

Front

Theme

Back

The message behind the story or the moral or lesson of the story; the author's message to the readers.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Front

Allusion

Back

A reference in one work of art or literature to another work of art, historical event, person, song, novel, poem, etc.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Front

Tone

Back

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

Front

Imagery

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

Antagonist

Back

A character or force in conflict with the main character (protagonist) of the story.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Protagonist

Back

The main character in a story, often facing a conflict that must be resolved.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Foreshadowing

Back

A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5