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Literary Devices Vocabulary

Terms in this set (39)

Simile
A figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as.
Metaphor
A figure of speech in which something is described as though it were something else.
Hyperbole
A figure of speech, which involves an exaggeration of ideas for the sake of emphasis.
Foreshadowing
The author's use of clues to hint at what might happen later in the story.
Symbolism
The use of anything that stands for or represents something else.
stereotype
A generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group.
dynamic character
A character who grows, learns, or changes as a result of the story's action
stock character
A character based on a common literary or social stereotype.
static character
A character that does not change from the beginning of the story to the end
round character
A fully-developed character that exhibits many traits.
flat character
A simple character, shown by the authors having just one or two qualities, which almost remain the same throughout the story and do not undergo significant growth or changes. Besides, audience also does not know much about such characters
mood
The feeling created in the reader by a literary work or passage.
tone
The writer's attitude toward his or her audience and subject. Generally conveyed through the choice of words or the viewpoint of a writer on a particular subject.
suspense
Anxiety or a state of uncertainty or excitement about the resolution of something.
dramatic irony
When the audience is aware of something that the characters in the story are not aware of.
verbal irony
The use of words to mean something different from what a person actually says.
situational irony
When the exact opposite of what is meant to happen, happens.
first person point of view
When the main character is telling the story.
third person limited point of view
The narrator can only get into the head of one character. Which means that the narrator only knows what that character knows.
third person omniscient point of view
The narrator isn't limited by what one character knows, sort of like the narrator is God.
Dialogue
Conversation between two or more characters
Setting
The time and place of a story
humor
Anything that causes laughter or amusement
author's purpose
The reason the author has for writing. ( Inform, persuade, express, & entertain)
Genre
a major category or type of literature
flashback
A scene that interrupts the normal chronological sequence of events in a story to depict something that happened at an earlier time
Allusion
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art
Diction
A writer's or speaker's choice of words
Imagery
Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)
theme
Central idea of a work of literature
Personification
A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes
Exposition
introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation
Protagonist
Main character in a story
Denotation
The dictionary definition of a word
Connotation
All the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests
Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces
Antagonist
A character or force in conflict with the main character
Climax
the most intense, exciting, or important point of a story
Resolution
End of the story where loose ends are tied up
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