Literary Terms Flashcards

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Central Idea

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The big point or the most important thing the writer wants to tell you about the topic.

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Protagonist

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The main character of a novel, play, or story.

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Antagonist

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A major character who opposes the protagonist in a story or play.

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Theme

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The central idea of a work.

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Climax

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The point at which the action in a story or play reaches its emotional peak.

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Metaphor

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A comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as”—such as “He’s a rock” or “I am an island.”

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Simile

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A comparison that uses “like” or “as.” For example, “I’m as hungry as a wolf,” or “My love is like a rose.”

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Onomatopoeia

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The use of words that sound like what they mean such as “buzz.”

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Hyperbole

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A huge exaggeration. For example, “Dan’s the funniest guy on the planet!” or “That baseball card is worth a zillion dollars!”

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Foreshadowing

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A technique in which an author gives clues about something that will happen later in the story.