Literary Terms and Character Analysis: Definitions and Examples

GENERAL TERMS

Allusion

brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance "She's a real Cinderella at the party tonight." with the reference to cinderella being the allusion.

Diction

the choice of words and style of expression that a writer or speaker uses. "Could you be so kind as to pass me the milk?" (formal) and "Give me that!" (informal) the difference between word choice

Genre

a category or type of literature, art, music, or film characterized by a particular style, form, or content. Mystery is a genre in Literature.

Prose

written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without structured meter or rhyme like poetry. "She walked into the room, looked around, and sat down quietly in the corner." it uses straightforward language like we use when speaking or writing normally

Mood

the overall feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader through descriptions, setting, word choice, and tone. Examples of mood could be scary, peaceful, joyful, sad.

Motif

a repeated idea, symbol, image, or theme in a story that helps develop the overall message or mood. It's like a recurring element that keeps showing up to support the story's deeper meaning. "the number three" and it would be used like three wishes, three trials, three brothers, etc.

Theme

the central idea, message, or underlying meaning of a story, play, poem, or other work of literature The theme of the lion king is that you must face your past in order to grow and take responsibility for your future.

Setting

is the time and place where a story happens. the dark, isolated cabin in the woods during a storm is an example of setting.

Verse

a single line of poetry or a group of lines arranged together in a poem. "Whose woods these are I think I know." This single line is a verse from a poem.

CHARACTER

Antagonist

a character, group, or force that opposes the main character (the protagonist) in a story. Voldemort is the antagonist because he opposes Harry and causes much of the conflict in the story.

Deuteragonist

the second most important character in a story, after the protagonist. They often play a key supporting role and help move the plot forward. sometimes a friend, sidekick, or even a rival

Direct Characterization

when the author clearly tells the reader what a character is like (their personality, traits, or feelings) without leaving it to be inferred. "John was a kind and generous man who always helped others."

Dynamic Character

is one who changes or grows in an important way throughout the story. Simba in The Lion King begins as a carefree, hesitant cub running away from his responsibilities but grows into a courageous leader who embraces his role as king.

Flat Character

a simple, one-dimensional character who doesn't change much throughout the story. The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet mostly provides comic relief and supports Juliet, but her character doesn't undergo significant development or change.

Foil (not aluminum; not the verb)

a character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities of that character. Batman and The Joker emphasises the differences between good and evil.

Hubris

excessive pride, arrogance, or self-confidence, especially when it leads a person to ignore warnings or limits, often causing their downfall. Walter White in Breaking Bad his pride and belief that he can control everything leads him deeper into crime and eventually causes his downfall.

Indirect Characterization

is when the author shows the personality or traits of a character through their actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, or how other characters react to them so the reader has to infer what the character is like. "Maria slammed the door and shouted, 'I'm tired of being ignored!' Her eyes blazed with frustration." we infer that she's angry even though it is not directly stated.

Protagonist

the main character in a story, play, or movie. Harry Potter is the protagonist because the story follows his journey, challenges, and growth.

Static Character

is one who does not change or grow throughout the story. Their personality, beliefs, and attitudes stay the same from beginning to end. Scar in The Lion King remains selfish, cunning, and villainous throughout the story without any change or growth.

Tragic Flaw (Hamartia)

is a personal weakness or mistake in judgment in a character (usually the protagonist) that leads to their downfall or tragic end. In Macbeth by Shakespeare, Macbeth's ambition is his tragic flaw. His desire for power drives him to murder and causes his eventual destruction.