English vocab terms

simile

a figure of speech that compares two things using the words like or as

metaphor

a figure of speech that compares two different things without using like or as

allusion

an indirect figure of speech that references a widely-known person, place, event, work of art, or historical figure

personification

giving human traits, emotions, or qualities to something that is not human

flashback

a sudden, vivid experience of a past event or memory that breaks into the present. Usually something personal or eventful

foreshadow

to give a hint or sign about something that occur later

hyperbole

a figure of speech that creates extreme exaggeration to make a point, show feelings, or add humor

alliteration

a literary device in which two or more words close together start with the same letter or sound

mood

a temporary state of mind, typically a sort of feeling, or emotion that the reader feels throughout the text

tone

the attitude, style, or feelings an author creates in their writings

POV: first person

speaking directly from a character's perspective

POV: second person

speaking directly to the reader and putting them into the story

POV: third person

speaking from a narrator that can be either limited or all knowing

perspective

a point of view, or a way of thinking about things

verbal irony

when someone says a statement, but means the opposite of what is said. Essentially sarcasm

situational irony

when the result of an action is the exact opposite as what is expected

dramatic irony

when the audience knows key information the characters do not

theme

the overarching idea, message, or subject in a text that teaches the reader a lesson

symbol

a mark, object, or word that stands for an idea, meaning or object

motif

a repeating idea, image, sound, or design with a symbolic meaning that helps develop the central theme

characterization

how a writer creates and reveals personality, physical traits, and motives

direct characterization

the character is described in a clear way

indirect characterization

the character is expressed through thoughts, actions, speech, appearance, and their effects on others

static characterization

stay the same from start to finish

dynamic characterization

transform emotionally, morally, or psychologically

flat characterization

simple with few traits

round characterization

complex and act as real people

conflict

the active struggle between opposing forces. An obstacle, rival, or outside force prevents the character from getting what they want