Literature Terms

A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning.

• allegory

• allusion

• symbol

A reference to another piece of literature, art, music, or an event from history.

• allegory

• allusion

• symbol

Something that stands for or represents something other than itself.

• allegory

• allusion

• symbol

Beginning at one point in the plot and returning to an earlier point.

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• plot

Hints or clues the author gives about future events in the plot.

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• plot

The sequence of events in a literary work.

• flashback

• foreshadowing

• plot

A character that stays the same throughout the literary work.

• conflict

• dynamic character

• static character

A character that changes as a result of the conflict and events in the plot.

• conflict

• dynamic character

• static character

The struggle between opposing forces; the problem to be solved.

• conflict

• dynamic character

• static character

The character or force opposing the main character in a literary work. 

• antagonist

• protagonist

• speaker