HLC2 1st Sem Literary Terms

Archetype

A typical or recurring character, symbol, or situation that represents a universal pattern.

Character

A person, animal, or being in a story.

Static Character

A character that does not change throughout the story.

Dynamic Character

A character that changes over the course of the story.

Round Character

A complex, well-developed character.

Flat Character

A simple, one-dimensional character.

Characterization

The way an author reveals a character.

Direct Characterization

The author explicitly tells traits of a character.

Indirect Characterization

Traits shown through a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, and reactions.

Conflict

The central struggle in a story, such as character vs. self, society, nature, etc.

Flashback

A scene that jumps back to an earlier time to provide background information.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues that suggest future events.

Genre

A category or type of literature, such as fiction or fantasy.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Situational Irony

The opposite of what is expected happens.

Verbal Irony

A character says one thing but means another.

Dramatic Irony

The audience knows something the characters do not.

Lyric Poetry

Poetry that expresses personal emotions or thoughts, often musical or reflective.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader.

Motif

A recurring idea, image, symbol, or phrase that supports the theme.

Motivation

The reason a character acts or behaves in a certain way.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Point of View (POV)

The perspective from which a story is told.

First Person POV

Uses 'I' or 'we'.

Third Person Limited POV

Focuses on one character's thoughts.

Third Person Omniscient POV

Knows the thoughts of all characters.

Plot

The sequence of events in a story.

Exposition (Plot)

Introduces characters, setting, and conflict.

Narrative Hook (Plot)

Grabs the reader's attention.

Rising Action / Complications (Plot)

Events that build tension.

Climax (Plot)

The turning point or most intense moment.

Falling Action (Plot)

Events that occur after the climax.

Resolution (Plot)

The conflict is resolved.

Setting

When and where a story takes place.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

Theme

The central message or lesson about life.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.