Literary Terms High School

The sequence of events in a literary work- beginning with exposition, ending with resolution, and involving characters and a central conflict.

• setting

• theme

• plot

• mood

The environment or surrounding in which an event or story takes place.

• mood

• external conflict

• plot

• setting

The part of the plot that introduces setting, characters, and basic situation is called _______

• resolution

• rising action

• climax

• exposition

Actions, dialogue, and narrative description that reveal a character's personality to the reader.

• Setting

• Characterization

• Personalization

• Flashback

The struggle between a character and an outside force.

• the dark side
• internal conflict
• external conflcit
• life

The struggle occurring within the character's mind.

• Internal Conflict
• External Conlict
• Mind Conflict
• Decision Conflict

A universal life lesson about life or human nature. The message of the story.

• Plot

• Summary

• Central Idea

• Theme

Creates a surprise that defies the audience's expectation. (We expect one thing, but we get another).

• verbal irony

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• ironing board

When a character says the opposite of what he or she means. (like sarcasm)

• Verbal Irony

• Situational Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Flat iron

When the audience knows more than the characters. We know more than the characters do, which creates humor or suspense.

• verbal irony

• situational irony

• dramatic irony

• "Iron't" I funny?