Literary and Rhetorical Terms Vocabulary

Front

Theme

Back

The central idea or message in a literary work.

Front

Conflict: internal vs. external

Back

Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces; internal conflict occurs within a character, while external conflict occurs between a character and an outside force.

Front

static vs. dynamic

Back

A static character does not change throughout the story, while a dynamic character undergoes significant change.

Front

Internal vs. External

Back

Internal refers to something within a character (such as thoughts or feelings), while external refers to something outside the character (such as events or other characters).

Front

Define the terms 'emerge; shape; refine'.

Back

To emerge is to become visible or known; to shape is to influence or determine; to refine is to improve or perfect.

Front

summary/summarize

Back

A summary is a brief statement of the main points; to summarize is to give a brief statement of the main points.

Front

Advance the plot

Back

To move the story forward by introducing new events or developments.

Front

Dialogue

Back

Conversation between two or more characters in a literary work.

Front

Diction

Back

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Front

Rising Action

Back

The series of events that build up to the climax of the story.