Literary Vocabulary

The time and place of a story. Fill in the blank: ________

• setting

• plot

• character

• theme

A very short folktale that teaches a moral or a lesson. Fill in the blank: ________

• fable

• novel

• poem

• myth

A genre that is set in the past and may include real people, places, or significant events from history. Fill in the blank: ________

• historical fiction

• science fiction

• fantasy

• mystery

The author tells you explicitly what a character is like. Fill in the blank: ________

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

• character analysis

• plot development

The standpoint from which a story is told. Fill in the blank: ________

• point of view

• narrative

• plot

• theme

The anxiety a reader feels about what may happen next in a story. Fill in the blank: ________

• suspense

• excitement

• boredom

• confusion

The most exciting or intense part of the story for the protagonist; a turning point in the story. Fill in the blank: ________

• climax

• introduction

• resolution

• conflict

A folktale that usually has some connection to a real historical person or event, combining factual and fictional events with exaggerations that are not meant to be humorous. Fill in the blank: ________

• legend

• myth

• fable

• tall tale

A short autobiographical story that focuses on one or few events. Fill in the blank: ________

• memoir

• novel

• poem

• essay

The atmosphere or feeling created by a work of literature. Fill in the blank: ________

• mood

• tone

• theme

• style