| Term | Definition |
|---|
| motif | a re-occuring image/idea in a work. it is connected to the theme |
| climax | the conflict "explodes". every event in the story leads to this point, and everything responds to it. the one moment that cannot be ignored and would change the work if removed. |
| conflict | a struggle between opposing forces. |
| falling action | all events in response to the climax. the conflict begins to be resolved. often the most exciting part of the plot. |
| resolution | the conflicts of a story get resolved and the plot concludes. |
| setting | time and place of action in a work. |
| protagonist | the main character in the story. |
| antagonist | the character or force that opposes the protagonist. (major, conflict) |
| major character | round or 3-dimensional. have good and bad qualities. a major part of the action. |
| minor character | 2-dimensional. all good or bad qualities. |
| figurative language | (connotation) not literal. meant to be interpreted. has implied meaning. |
| literal language | (denotation) actual meaning of something. dictionary meaning. no room for interpretation. |
| plot | sequence of events in a work. |
| rising action | results from introduction of conflict. |
| exposition | introduces or "expresses" the essential elements of a story such as characters and writing. |
| static character | a character who does not change or changes little as a result of the events in a story. flat characters are sometimes referred to as this. |
| dynamic character | a character who changes inside as a result of what happens to him/her. grows or progressess to a higher level of understanding in the course of the story. |
| theme | the main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. could be stated or implied. may be major or minor. it is NOT the topic or subject. |
| semantics | what words mean. the study of the meaning of words. |
| irony | is the contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is. |
| foil | a character who provides a contrast to the protagonist. (major, minor) |
| characterization | giving specific traits or qualities to a character. the act of characterizing. |
| indirect characterization | shown through thoughts, actions often through other characters. |
| direct characterization | told. |
Combine with other sets
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