Literary Terms Review: Plot Arc, Characterization, Imagery, Irony, and Related Concepts

A comprehensive set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering plot structure, characterization, imagery, and irony from the notes.

Plot Arc

The sequence of events that make up a story, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement.

Exposition

The part of the story that reveals setting, main characters (protagonist), and background information.

Protagonist

The main character around whom the story centers.

Rising Action

Events that build toward the climax and develop the main conflict.

Climax

The turning point; the moment of greatest intensity when the protagonist faces the conflict.

Falling Action

Events after the climax leading toward the resolution.

Denouement

The conclusion where loose ends are tied up.

Conflict

A clash or struggle between opposing forces.

Internal Conflict

A struggle within a character’s mind or emotions.

External Conflict

A struggle between a character and an outside force.

External Conflict: Another Character

A conflict where the antagonist is another character.

External Conflict: Society

A conflict where the character opposes societal norms or laws.

External Conflict: Nature

A conflict where the character faces natural forces.

External Conflict: Supernatural

A conflict where the character contends with supernatural forces.

Static Character

A character who undergoes little or no inner change and does not grow.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes a significant inner change in personality or attitude.

Flat Character

A two-dimensional character who is uncomplicated and does not change.

Round Character

A complex character who undergoes development and has depth.

Direct Characterization

The author explicitly tells you about the character.

Indirect Characterization

Character details are inferred through speech, thoughts, effects on others, actions, and looks.

STEAL (Indirect Characterization)**

A mnemonic for indirect characterization: S- Speech, T- Thoughts, E- Effect on others, A- Actions, L- Looks.

Imagery

Descriptive language that creates mental images for the reader.

Figurative Language

Language that uses figures of speech to describe, including similes, metaphors, and personification.

Simile

A comparison using like or as.

Metaphor

A direct comparison without using like or as.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues that set up what will happen later in the story.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere or feeling evoked in the reader.

Theme

A universal message or insight about a significant topic conveyed by the text.

Setting

Identifies the time and place of the story’s events.

Verbal Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant, often in a sarcastic way.

Situational Irony

The outcome is opposite of what is expected.

Dramatic Irony

The audience knows something the characters do not.