Literary Terms - Bell

Simile

A comparison of two things using the terms LIKE or AS

Metaphor

A comparison of two things WITHOUT using like or as; saying one thing IS another

Imagery

When the author paints a vivid mental picture, so the reader can picture what’s happening

Hyperbole

A huge exaggeration (something that is so crazy it can’t be true)

Personification

Giving non-human things human characteristics

Conflict

The main problem in the story

Internal Conflict

A character struggles within (Person vs. Self)

External Conflict

A character struggles with an outside force (Person vs. Person, Person vs. Nature, Person vs. Society) 

Mood

The overall feeling of a story… the way an author uses language, setting, characters, etc. to depict an emotion

Irony

The opposite outcome of what is expected

Characterization

How an author develops personality and traits of the characters

Direct Characterization

When an author TELLS the reader directly what a character is like

Indirect Characterization

When an author SHOWS the reader what a character is like through their actions, physical description, dialogue, inner thoughts and feelings

Symbolism

When one thing represents another

Theme

The main lesson or message that the author that the author wants the reader to understand

Themes are universal and can apply to all people. They DO NOT include specific details from a story

Setting

When and where a story takes place

Plot

The events of a story

Includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Exposition

Background of a story which includes introduction to characters, setting, and conflict

Rising Action

This is when the suspense builds and there are attempts to overcome conflict 

Climax

A major turning point; a point of no return when the reader knows the conflict will be dealt with 

Falling Action

The action begins to wind down but conflict has not yet been solved 

Resolution

The conclusion when the conflict has finally been solved