Literary Terms

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Literary Terms
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Elements Of Plot

• Plot-All fiction is based on conflict and this
  conflict is presented in a structured format
  called PLOT.
• Conflict-The essence of fiction It creates
  plot.
• Climax The high point of the story. The moment of
  the highest interest and greatest emotion.
• Resolution- Rounds out and concludes the action.

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Characterization

• Protagonist- Main character in the story
• Antagonist- The character or force that opposes
  the protagonist.

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Point Of View

• First Person- The narrator is a character in the
  story who can reveal only personal thoughts and
  feelings and what he or she sees and is told by
  other characters. (Look for key words I and
  Me.)
• Third Person (Objective)- The narrator is an
  outsider who can report only what he or she sees
  and hears. This narrator tells us what is
  happening, but she cant tell us the thoughts of
  the characters

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Conflict

• Conflict- is the essence of fiction It creates
  plot
• Man Vs. Man Conflict that pits one person
  against another
• Man Vs. Nature A run-in with the forces of
  nature. Usually tests the limits of a persons
  strength and will to live

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Conflict (Continued)

• Man Vs. Society- The values and customs by which
  everyone else lives are being challenged.
• Man Vs. Self- Internal conflict. Not all conflict
  involves other people. Sometimes people are their
  own worst enemies
• Often, more than one kind of conflict is taking
  place at the same time

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Some Other Elements

• Foreshadowing-An authors use of hints or clues
  to suggest events that will occur later in the
  story.
• Irony- is the contrast between what is expected
  and what actually is.
• Tone-is the authors attitude, stated or implied,
  toward a subject. (Ex. Bitterness, optimism,
  joyful) Usually expressed through the authors
  word choice and details.
• Setting- The time and place in which the story
  takes place

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Symbolism/Theme

• Symbolism- A person, place or object which has a
  meaning in itself but suggest other meanings as
  well. (Ex. Colors)
• Theme-The main idea or underlying meaning of a
  literary work.

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Figurative Language

• Whenever you describe something by comparing it
  with something else, you are using figurative
  language.
• Simile-A figure of speech which invokes a direct
  comparison between two unlike things (Key words
  Like and As)
• Metaphor-A figure of speech which involves an
  implied comparison between two relatively unlike
  things using a form of the word be. Key words
  was and is.

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Figurative Language (Continued)

• Personification- A figure of speech that gives
  the qualities of a person to an animal, an object
  or an idea. Ex. The tree danced in the wind
• Onomatopoeia- The use of words that mimic sound.
  Ex. Buzzzzz, Caarackle