Literary Terms

The use of visually descriptive or figurative language in writing

• voice

• imagery

• mood

• plot

The “hero” in a story. This is the most important character in a story, play or

novel.

• genre

• foreshadowing

• antagonist

• protagonist

In this part of the story, we meet our characters, learn about the setting (time &

place) and basic situation of the story.

• exposition

• conflict

• mood

• rising action

How an author writes

• point of view

• tone

• style

• personfication

When you give human characteristics to nonhuman objects or elements.

• point of view

• falling action

• conflict

• personification

The relationship of the narrator, or storyteller, to the story. This is how the

story is being told. Examples: first person, second person or third person.

• climax

• resolution

• point of view

• plot

The feeling a reader gets when reading a story.

• mood

• genre

• imagery

• protagonist

A category of literature or writing. Examples: Fiction, Nonfiction.

• theme

• voice

• genre

• climax

The placement of clues about what will happen in the future of your story.

• voice

• foreshadowing

• falling action

• exposition

The events that directly lead up to the climax of a story.

• rising action

• resolution

• climax

• imagery