Literary Terms

EnglishMrs. Maxwell

What are literary terms?

Building blocks/structure of a story, novel, play, etc.

Create a clearer picture for readers if they understand the terms

Help the reader to understand purpose/intent/message the author is attempting to convey

Characterization•

Speech: What does the character say? How does the character speak?

• Thoughts: What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?

• Effect on others: What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

• Actions: What does the character do? How does the character behave?

• Looks: What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Setting The time (time period, time of day) and

location in which a story occurs Often has a profound effect on how the

reader interacts with the characters and plot line.

Conflict A struggle between forces (externally or

internally) Man v. man Man v. nature Man v. self Man v. society Man v. machine Man v. fate/destiny/God

Foreshadowing Suggesting, hinting, indicating, or

showing what will happen next.

Flashback An interruption of current events to

provide background on an earlier occurrence that happened prior to the in progress narration.

insight into a character's motivation and or background to a conflict

Accomplished through narration, dream sequences, and memories

Imagery The picture the author

paints for the reader. Sensory experience for

the reader. Hear Taste Smell Touch See

Theme A central idea or statement that unifies

and controls an entire literary work May be moralistic (a lesson to be

learned) allows the reader to understand part of

the author’s purpose in writing Must use characters, plot lines, and

other literary techniques to determine theme

SymbolA word, place, character, or object that stands for an idea.

Figurative Language

Plot Line

Exposition

Ris

ing

Act

ion

Climax

Falling

Action

Resolution

Plot Line Definitions Exposition: provides the background

information needed to understand the story. Rising Action: series of events that build up

and create tension and suspense. Climax: point of highest tension or drama or

when the action starts in which the solution is given.

Falling Action: the point after the climax where the action begins to drop off and the events of the plot become clear or are explained in some way

Resolution: tying up the loose ends, the problem has been resolved one way or another.