Literary Terms 1-25

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

• Alliteration

• Connotation

• Denotation

• Hyperbole

The character in a story or drama that opposes or has conflict with the leading/main character.

• Cliffhanger

• Fable

• Main Idea

• Antagonist

A word that means the opposite of another word (example: happy/sad)

• Contrast

• Antonym

• Denotation

• Flashback

Describes the relationship between events in literature; one event brings about another event.

• Connotation and denotation

• Figurative language

• Cause and effect

• Contrast

When the ending of a chapter or story causes great suspense or tension.

• Cliffhanger

• Irony

• Imagery

• Flashback

An examination of two or more things looking for similarities.

• Foreshadowing

• Inference

• Connotation

• Compare

The suggested meaning of an expression.

• Connotation

• Denotation

An examination of two or more things looking for differences.

• Main idea

• Contrast

• Connotation

• Denotation

A direct, specific meaning of an expression.

• Connotation

• Denotation

A conversation between two or more characters.

• Hyperbole

• Drama

• Foreshadowing

• Dialogue