ap lit - prose analysis vocab: 1st semester

direct characterization >

when the narrator explicitly describes a character’s traits

indirect characterization >

when a character’s traits are revealed through actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions

flat character >

a one-dimensional character with limited development

round character >

a complex, fully developed character with multiple traits

static character >

a character who remains unchanged throughout the text

dynamic character >

a character who undergoes significant growth or change

foil >

a character who contrasts with another to highlight particular character traits

stock character >

a stereotypical character type

example of a stock character >

the wise mentor or the trickster

archetype >

a universally recognized character model

example of archetype >

the tragic hero, the outcast

internal conflict >

a character’s struggle with emotions, desires, or beliefs

external conflict >

a struggle betwen a character and an outside force

what do the characters in external conflicts face?

society, nature or another character

protagonist >

the character or characters on whom a narrative primarily focuses

antagonist >

a character or element that opposes the protagonist(s)

exposition >

introduction of the background information, setting and characters

rising action >

the events leading to the climax that builds tension

climax >

the moment of greatest intensity or turning point

falling action >

the events following the climax leading to resolution

denouement >

the resolution or conclusion of the narrative

nonlinear narrative >

a structure that does not follow a chronological order

what are examples of a nonlinear narrative >

flashbacks and fragmented narrative

in media res >

a narrative that beings in the middle of the action

frame story >

a story within a story, often used to provide context or contrast perspectives

epistolary narrative >

a story told through letters, journal entries, or documents

stream of consciousness >

a narrative mode that captures a character’s continuous flow of thoughts and feelings

first person narrator >

a character narrates using “I” or “we”

third person limited narrator >

the narrator only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character

third-person objective narrator >

the narrator reports events without revealing characters’ thoughts or emotions

unreliable narrator >

a narrator whose credibility is compromised due to bias, limited knowledg, or deception

detached observer >

a narrator who reports events without emotional involvement

interior monologue >

a narrative technique that presents a character’s thoughts in a flowing uninterrupted manner

free indirect discourse >

a blending of third person narration with the character’s own thoughts, creating a seamless perspective shift

metaphor >

a direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as”

simile >

a comparison using “like” or “as”

personification >

attributing human qualities to non-human things

hyperbole >

deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect

understatement >

deliberately downplaying something for ironic or rhetorical effect

allusion >

a reference to a well-known work, historical event or figure

symbolism >

the use of an object, character, or event to represent a larger idea

motif >

recurring element that reinforces a theme

allegory >

a narrative in which characters and events symbolically represent broader concepts