Literary Terms

theme

• The central idea or underlying message of a literary work, often reflecting on human nature or society.

• A character's journey throughout the story.

• The setting where the story takes place.

• The sequence of events in a narrative.

simile

• A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'as brave as a lion').

• A type of metaphor that uses direct comparison without 'like' or 'as'.

• An expression that exaggerates for emphasis or effect.

• A phrase that describes something in a literal sense.

1st person point of view

• A narrative perspective where the narrator uses 'I' or 'we' and is usually the main character in the story.

• A narrative style that describes events from an outside perspective without any character's thoughts.

• A storytelling technique that focuses on the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.

• A perspective that uses 'you' to directly address the reader.

climax

• The resolution of the story's conflict.

• The turning point or most intense moment in a story, where the main conflict reaches its peak.

• The introduction of the main characters and setting.

• The final outcome of the story's events.

allusion

• A direct quote from a literary work.

• A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art, often used to create a connection or context.

• A type of metaphor used in poetry.

• A detailed description of a character in a story.

metaphor

• A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'Time is a thief.')

• A type of analogy that uses 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison

• A rhetorical device that exaggerates for emphasis or effect

• A form of personification that attributes human qualities to non-human entities

personification

• A literary device where human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract concepts.

• A technique used to create vivid imagery through detailed descriptions.

• A form of exaggeration used for emphasis or effect.

• A narrative style that focuses on the inner thoughts of characters.

conflict

• The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which drives the plot and character development.

• A peaceful resolution between characters that enhances the story.

• A character's internal struggle with their own emotions.

• The setting of the story that influences the characters' actions.

foreshadowing

• A literary device that gives hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.

• A technique used to create suspense by delaying the resolution of a conflict.

• A method of character development through dialogue and action.

• A narrative style that involves a non-linear timeline.

characters

• The individuals, animals, or creatures that participate in the action of a story or drama.

• The setting where the story takes place.

• The main conflict that drives the plot forward.

• The moral lesson conveyed by the story.