Literary Terms Flashcards

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Personification

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A figure of speech where human qualities are given to animals, objects, or ideas.

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Theme

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

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Irony

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A contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting the opposite of what is expected.

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Foreshadowing

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

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Round Character

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A complex character that undergoes development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader.

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Flat Character

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A simple character without extensive personality and characterization.

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Dynamic Character

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A character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the course of a story.

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Static Character

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A character who does not undergo significant change in the course of the story.

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Direct Characterization

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The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets.

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Indirect Characterization

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The process by which the personality of a character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.