Literary Terms Review

One or more letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning, end, or base of a word and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form (e.g., a prefix or suffix).

• Affix
• suffix
• prefix
• refix

The repetition of initial sounds in neighboring words.

• Alliteration
• consonance
• assonance
• euphony

An implied or indirect reference in literature to a familiar person, place, or event.

• Allusion
• confusion
• illusion
• elusion

The process or result of identifying the parts of a whole and their relationships to one another.

• Analysis
• synthesis
• evaluation
• definition

A word that is the opposite in meaning to another word.

• Antonym
• synonym
• homonym
• homophone

The subtle presence of a positive or negative approach toward a topic.

• Bias
• Prejudice
• Bigotry
• Impartiality

The method an author uses to reveal characters and their various traits and personalities (e.g., direct, indirect).

• Characterization
• Tone
• Mood
• Irony

A person, animal or inanimate object portrayed in a literary work.

• Character
• Object
• Place
• Thing

The moment in which the protagonist solves or fails to solve the primary conflict of the story.

• Climax
• Inciting Incident
• Denouement
• Exposition

Place together characters, situations, or ideas to show common and/or differing features in literary selections.

• Compare/Contrast
• Question and Answer
• Cause and Effect
• Problem and Solution