Literary terms

archetype

A typical character, situation, or symbol that represents universal ideas or patterns in human experience.

syllogism

A type of logical reasoning where the conclusion is drawn from two linked premises.

alliteration

A figure of speech in which consonants, especially at the beginning of words, are repeated.

personification

A literary device representing nonhuman beings as if they had human qualities.

assonance

The repetition of the same vowel sound in nearby words to achieve an effect of euphony.

euphemism

A polite or mild word or phrase used to replace a harsher one.

grotesque

Something that is very strange or ugly, often in a shocking or unsettling way.

simile

A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

hyperbole

An exaggerated statement or claim that isn't meant to be taken literally.

metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two things by saying one is the other.

euphony

When words sound nice together and are pleasant to hear.

comparison

When you look at two or more things to see how they are alike or different.

paradox

A statement that seems contradictory or silly but actually reveals a deeper truth.

amplification

A technique used to add more detail or information to a statement making it stronger or cleaner.

dysphemism

Words that highlight negative qualities or defects.

anamnesis

The act of recalling or remembering past events or memories.

affectation

When a writer uses a style or tone that doesn’t fit the subject or situation.

onomatopoeia

The formation and use of words to imitate sounds.

anaphora

A rhetorical device that involves repeating a word or phrase in successive clauses.

a final resolution

The part of a story where everything is wrapped up and the conflicts are resolved.

parataxis

The arrangement of clauses or phrases without using conjunctions creating impactful style

oxymoron

A figure of speech that puts together opposite words to create an interesting effect.

allegory

A story where characters and events symbolise deeper meanings or lessons often about moral or political issues

quatrain

A stanza or verse consisting of four lines often follows a specific scheme such as ABAB or AABB

internal rhyme

When two or more words rhyme within a single line of verse rather than at the end of lines

poeticism

The use of beautiful, expressive language in writing.It focuses on creating strong images and feelings, often making prose feel like poetry

repetition

A key part of poetry and some prose involving sounds, words, or phrases that repeat through the work.

emotive words

Words that evoke strong feelings or emotions in the reader. These words can express a range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, or fear, and are often used in writing to create a specific emotional response.

direct presentation of character

When the author explicitly describes a character's traits, feelings, or motivations.

Symbol

A specific object, character, or event that represents a larger idea or concept. It’s the actual item that conveys meaning.

symbolism

The broader practice of using symbols in literature to represent ideas and themes. It refers to the technique of infusing deeper meanings into symbols.

climax

That part of a story or play where a crisis happens and a resolution is found.

dénouement

What happens after the main climax of a story where conflicts are resolved and everything is explained. The conclusion that shows how the characters and plot come together in the end.

falling action

Part of a play that comes after the climax or dénouement.  It shows how the characters deal with what happened during the climax and leads to the conclusion.

round character

A well-developed character in a story who has depth and complexity.

flat character

A simple, one-dimensional character who has few traits and doesn’t grow throughout the story

stock character

A stereotypical character that is easily recognizable and appears in many stories. They have predictable traits and behaviors, making them familiar to audiences. 

antagonist

The character who opposes the hero or main character.

protagonist

The main character in a play or story. They are often the hero or central figure around whom the plot revolves.

static character

A character who does not change or evolve throughout the story. Often used to provide stability in the narrative or to contrast with dynamic characters, who do experience growth or change.

plot

The sequence of events in a play, poem, or story. It’s the plan or structure that organizes incidents and characters to create curiosity and suspense for the reader or audience.

suspense

A state of uncertainty and excitement about what will happen next in a story.

dilemma

A situation where a character must make a difficult choice between options, often with negative consequences.

limited omniscient point of view

A narrative style where the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of just one character but not of the others.

omniscient point of view

A narrative style where the narrator knows everything about all characters and events.

theme

The main idea or message of a work, which can be expressed directly or indirectly.

objective point of view

A narrative style where the narrator reports events and dialogue without sharing any character’s thoughts or feelings.

an opening clarification

A statement at the beginning of a text that sets context, explain important terms, or clarifies main ideas.

dramatic point-of-view

A narrative style where events are reported without insight into characters' private thoughts or feelings.

plot manipulation

When a story feels forced or unrealistic due to unrealistic events.

polyphonic novel

A story that includes multiple voices or perspectives instead of just one main character.

narratology

The study of narrative structure and how stories are told.

indeterminate ending

When a story doesn't have a clear resolution, leaving questions unanswered.