Keystone Literary Terms

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

• alliteration
• assonance
• repetition
• rhyme

A word that means the opposite of another word

• synonym
• antonym
• denotation
• connotation

A method an author uses to let readers know more about the characters and their personal traits

• characterization
• plot
• mood
• tone

Most exciting moment of the story; turning point

• exposition
• rising action
• climax
• falling action

A struggle or clash between opposing characters, forces, or emotions

• conflict
• plot
• resolution
• climax

A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader

• foreshadowing
• symbol
• allusion
• plot

A method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events

• flashback
• foreshadowing
• plot
• dialogue

A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor

• hyperbole
• symbol
• rhyme
• satire

A comparison between two unlike things in which no words of comparison are used

• simile
• metaphor
• symbol
• allusion

The context in time and place in which the action of a story occurs

• setting
• plot
• situation
• exposition