Analysis
A thorough study of something (such as a poem or a piece of literature)
Foreshadowing
To show or indicate beforehand
Flashback
A conversation, an episode, or an event that happened before the beginning of the story. Often interrupts the chronological flow of a story to give the reader information to help in understanding a character's situation.
Point of View
the perspective from which a story is told
First Person Point of View
Told from the viewpoint of one of the characters using the pronouns "I" and We"
Second Person Point of View
the narrator addresses the reader directly using the pronoun "you"
Third Person Point of View
is narrated by the author. (He, She, It)
Simile
A type of figurative language. It is a comparison of two unlike things using like or as
Metaphor
A type of figurative language. It is a comparison, not using the words like or as.
Moral
A lesson (life lesson) that is taught in a literary work
Author's Purpose
His or her reason for creating a particular work. The purpose may be to persuade the reader to do or believe something, inform, or entertain (PIE), or to express an opinion. An author may have more than one purpose for writing, but usually one is the most important
Character Traits
Traits that are found on the inside of a character
Physical Features/physical traits
are traits that are on the outside
Conflict
A struggle between opposing forces or characters. Without conflict a story would be boring. A story can have several conflicts, the main conflict is central to the plot and is usually resolved by the resolution.
Internal Conflict
Takes place in a character's mind or heart. Sometimes this involves a decision.
External Conflict
Takes place between a character and something outside the character. The outside force could be nature, an event or situation, or another character.
Theme
The truth or central idea a story reveals about life. Any theme can be considered valid if you can support it with text evidence.
Plot
Stages of the story: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution
Exposition
Introduces the characters and the setting, provides background information, conflict is usually introduced.
Rising Action
The story becomes more complicated as the conflict develops
Climax
The turning point in the story, the most exciting part when the outcome of the conflict is decided.
Falling Action
The loose ends are tied up as the story comes to an end. (This is sometimes combined with the resolution).
Resolution
The conflict should be resolved. The story ends.