The 42 Most Important Literary Terms

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

• alliteration
• allusion
• conflict

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

• allusion
• alliteration
• plot

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

• antagonist
• foil
• dynamic character

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

• characterization
• plot
• flat character

A character who does not change during the story.

• static character
• flat character
• dynamic character

A character that grows and changes over time

• dynamic character
• flat character
• round character

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

• flat character
• round character
• static character

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

• round character
• flat character
• authentic character

A problem or struggle that the character faces

• conflict
• problem
• struggle

A struggle between a character and an outside force

• external conflict
• outside conflict
• internal conflict