Literary Terms

The point of view in which a character tells the story while experiencing it:

• Static character

• First person

• Third-person Omniscient

The personality of a character and the method by which an author reveals that personality.

• Dynamic

• Static

• Characterization

The point of the plot’s most intense moment

• Suspense

• Climax

• Conflict

One who does not change much in the course of a story

• Round Character

• Static Character

• Dynamic Character

A reference to a statement, person, place, or event from literature, history, religion, mythology, politics, sports, or science

• Illusion

• Flashback

• Allusion

A struggle between a character and outside force--nature, fate, or another person.

• External Conflict

• Internal Conflict

• Omniscient Conflict

The use of clues by a writer to prepare the reader for future developments in the story.

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Inference

A struggle that takes place within a character's mind

• Intracranial conflict

• Internal Conflict

• External Conflict

A scene that breaks the normal time order to show a scene that happened earlier

• Flashback

• Foreshadow

• Denouement

One who changes as a result of the story’s events

• Round Character

• Static Character

• Dynamic Character