Literary terms (D-E)

Denotation

the dictionary definition of a word; its literal meaning.

Dialect

language specific to a particular group of people; may involve spelling, sounds, grammar, punctuation, or vocabulary; differentiates the group from those around them.

Diction

a writer's choice of words; when discussing diction, it is usually described with an adjective.

Didactic

adjective used to describe writing that is intended to teach or preach; can also be used to describe the tone of a piece of writing or a character's speech; tends to be used as a criticism, as most readers prefer to draw their own conclusions rather than be preached at.

Direct Characterization

method of describing a character in which an author explicitly identifies a character's traits instead of allowing the reader to infer from the character's words or behavior.

Double Entendre

a word, phrase, or statement intended to be understood in two ways; one of those ways usually has sexual connotations.

Dramatic Monologue

a dramatic device in which a character delivers a speech to either the audience or other characters onstage.

Dynamic Character

a character who undergoes a significant change in personality, character, or outlook (not circumstances, mood, or appearance) over the course of a story.

Elegy

a mournful poem, often written for a funeral or as a lament for someone who has died.

En Media Res Ior In Media Resi

term that literally means "in the middle of things" and is used when a narrative begins in the middle of the story, usually at an important point or in the middle of the action.

End-stopped Line

a line of poetry in which there is punctuation, indicating a pause, at the end of the line.

Epiphany

a moment of sudden understanding or insight; may lead a character to undergo significant change in personality, character, or outlook.

Euphemism

the use of mild, indirect, or vague words to describe something that is offensive or unpleasant.