Literary Terms

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allegory

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a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning (e.g. The Tortoise and the Hare)

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alliteration

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the repetition of beginning consonant sounds in words

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allusion

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a reference to another work of literature, person, or event that allows readers to understand more deeply

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anaphora

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repetition of a word, phrase, or clause at the beginning of two or more sentences in a row. Used as deliberate form of repetition for a coherent point.

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anecdote

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brief story, told to illustrate a point or serve as an example of something, often shows character of an individual

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antagonist

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the character who goes against the or causes conflict with the protagonist; anta = against

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anthropomorphism

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giving human characteristics to an animal (similar to personification)

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aphorism

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a brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life.

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archetypal character

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those who embody a certain kind of universal human experience (e.g. hero, warrior, etc.)

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author's purpose

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reason a story is told