Unit 1: Shaping Voices: Nonfiction Narratives Literary Terms

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering all key literary terms listed in the Unit 1: Shaping Voices study guide.

Turning Point

The moment in a narrative where a major change occurs or a crucial decision is made that alters the direction of the plot.

Person vs. Person Conflict

A type of external conflict in which a character experiences a direct struggle or opposition against another character.

Person vs. Self Conflict

A type of internal conflict where a character struggles within themselves over opposing desires, emotions, beliefs, or decisions.

Person vs. Society Conflict

A type of conflict in which a character struggles against societal norms, laws, traditions, or social institutions.

Characterization (STEAL)

The methods an author uses to reveal a character's traits through Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, and Looks (STEAL).

Dialogue

A written or spoken conversation between two or more characters in a literary work.

Monologue

A lengthy speech delivered by a single character to express their thoughts aloud to an audience or other characters.

Diction

An author's intentional word choice and style of expression in writing or speaking.

Connotation

The emotional, cultural, or secondary meanings and associations connected to a word beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

The direct, literal dictionary definition of a word, free from emotional or cultural associations.

Mood

The overall atmosphere, emotional vibe, or feeling created for the reader by a text.

Tone

The author's or speaker's attitude toward a subject, character, or audience as expressed through diction and style.

Point of View

The perspective or stance from which a story is narrated to the reader.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the physical senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to create vivid mental images.

Allusion

An indirect or brief reference within a text to a person, place, event, or another work of literature or art.

Symbolism

The use of symbols, such as objects, characters, or actions, to represent abstract ideas or concepts deeper than their literal meaning.

Irony

A contrast or incongruity between expectations and reality, such as between what is expected to happen and what actually happens, or what is said versus what is meant.