AP LANG TERMS TEST

LET'S GO GIRL LET'S GET AN A+++++

antagonist

A character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict throughout the narrative.

diction

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing, which contributes to the tone and style of a piece.

Indirect Characterization

The method by which an author reveals a character's personality through their actions, thoughts, dialogue, or effects on other characters, rather than through direct statements.

antithesis

A rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas in a balanced structure, highlighting differences for effect.

example: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Dialect

The distinct form of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by a specific social group, characterized by unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Direct Characterization

The method by which an author explicitly describes a character's traits or personality directly, often through narration or dialogue.

Dialogue

A conversation between two or more characters in a literary work, often used to advance the plot or develop character relationships.

Apostrophe

a rhetorical figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses an absent or dead person, an inanimate object, or an abstract idea as if it were present and able to respond

Personification

A figure of speech in which an inanimate object, animal, or abstract idea is given human qualities, characteristics, or actions.

Catharsis

the emotional release, purification, or relief that an audience experiences when a plot's deep suspense or central tragic conflict resolves

exposition

the insertion of important background information—such as character backstories, setting details, and historical context—into a story or

Plot

events that make up the book

Climax

the highest, most intense, or most important point of an experience, story, or process

Flat Character

a two-dimensional fictional person who lacks emotional depth, personal growth, and a complex personality

Foil Character

a character who highlights the traits, values, or flaws of another character—most often the protagonist—through sharp contrast

POV

Either first second or third person, who is speaking

Conflict

The problem in the story

Foreshadowing

author drops subtle or explicit hints about events that will happen later in a story

Framed narrative

a storytelling structure that places an outer story—the "frame"—around one or more inner, embedded stories

Protagonist

main character, could be good or bad

Connotation

the emotional or cultural feeling and idea that a word suggests, rather than just its literal dictionary definition

Imagery

describing scenery or you get it

Repitition

repeating words or phrases

Counterargument

A claim that goes against the main claim to add perspective

resolution

how the conflict ends

rising action

the events that lead to the climax

round character

a complex, lifelike fictional figure with a multi-faceted personality, deep motivations, and internal contradictions

denotation

literal dictionary word

sarcasm

the use of words that mean the opposite of what you actually want to say, usually to insult someone, show irritation, or be funny

setting

where the story is set

simile

abstract comparison using “like” or “as”

static character

don’t really change

stock character

a familiar, flat, and recognizable fictional type based on common social or literary stereotypes

symbolism

using objects or metaphors to symbolize a complex meaning

syntax

set of rules that govern how words and phrases are arranged to form well-structured sentences

SPACE CAT

Speaker, purpose, audience, context, exigence, choices, appeals, tone

rhetorical appeals

ethos (credibility), logos (logic), pathos (emotion)