Lit terms

Characterization

How an author reveals a character (appearance, personality, actions, dialogue, interactions)

Dialogue

Conversation between characters

Genre

Category/type of literature

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses

Plot

Sequence of events in a story

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told

Style

n author’s unique way of writing (word choice, tone, structure)

Symbolism

Something that represents a deeper meaning beyond itself

Theme

The main idea or message of a text

Tone

The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience

Apology

A part of a text where the author or narrator explains or defends their purpose for writing

Irony

When what is said is the opposite of what is meant, often for emphasis or surprise

Satire

Writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people or ideas

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, often to create tone or emphasis

Diction

An author’s choice of words and language

Allegory

A story where characters and events represent abstract ideas, values, or historical events

Allusion

A reference to another text, work, or event to add meaning

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration used for emphasis, not meant to be literal

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as"

Metonymy

Substituting something with a related word or concept (ex: "the crown" for a king)

Parody

A work that imitates and exaggerates another to mock or critique it

Simile

A comparison using like/as

Satire

Writing that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people or ideas

Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant for effect

Sarcasm

Harsh or cutting form of irony meant to mock or insult

Exaggeration

Overstating something to make a point

Juxtaposition

lacing contrasting ideas side by side to highlight differences

Burlesque

Mocking something serious by treating it humorously or vice versa

Horatian Satire

Light, humorous satire meant to gently criticize

Juvenalian Satire

Harsh, serious satire meant to strongly condemn