Literary Terms and Figurative Language

Plot

Sequence of events in a story

Exposition

the part of the story where characters and setting are introduced

rising action

Events leading up to the climax

Climax

the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex.

falling action

Events after the climax, leading to the resolution

Resolution

End of the story where loose ends are tied up

plot curve

is a graph that shows the order the story goes.

Foreshadowing

A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.

Imagery

Description that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste)

Flashback

a scene in a movie, novel, etc., set in a time earlier than the main story.

Idiom

A common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally.

Personification

A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as"

Metaphor

A comparison without using like or as

Theme

Central idea of a work of literature

point of view

the perspective from which a story is told

internal conflict

A struggle between opposing needs, desires, or emotions within a single character

external conflict

A struggle between a character and an outside force

Tone

Attitude a writer takes toward the audience, a subject, or a character

Mood

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

Characterization

the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character

Protagonist

main character

Antagonist

A character or force in conflict with the main character

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Hyperbole

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the sound it represents.

As slow as a sloth.

simile

The room was an oven.

metaphor

BOOM!

onomatopoeia

The leaves waved hello.

personification