The 42 Most Important Literary Terms

repetition of the same or similar consonant sounds in words that are close together

• alliteration
• allusion
• conflict

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

reference to someone or something that is known from history, literature, religion, politics, sports, science, or another branch of culture.

• allusion
• alliteration
• plot

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

opponent who struggles against or blocks the hero, or protagonist, in a story

• antagonist
• foil
• dynamic character

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character

• characterization
• plot
• flat character

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

A character who does not change during the story.

• static character
• flat character
• dynamic character

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A character that grows and changes over time

• dynamic character
• flat character
• round character

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

A character who is not very well developed; has few identifiable characteristics

• flat character
• round character
• static character

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A character who is fully developed within the story through description and action.

• round character
• flat character
• authentic character

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A problem or struggle that the character faces

• conflict
• problem
• struggle

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A struggle between a character and an outside force

• external conflict
• outside conflict
• internal conflict

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3