AM Short Fic- Introduction to the American Short Story

protagonist

The main character in a story, often facing conflict and driving the narrative forward.

antagonist

The character, or force, that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict in the narrative.

theme

central meaning/message in a piece of literature

synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole or vice versa.

ex. “a set of new threads”- referring to shoes

the PART describes the WHOLE

metonymy

A figure of speech in which one term is substituted for another with which it is closely associated.

ex. "the crown" can refer to royalty or government.

trope

any image in literature that is non-literal

ex. synecdoche, metonymy, simile, metaphor

anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, often used for emphasis.

ex. “Before that” in Currents by Hannah Bottomy

motif

A motif is a recurring element or idea in a literary work that helps to develop and reinforce the central themes of the narrative. (Often a symbol/object?

ex. The green light in Gatsby

symbol

something that stands for something else in literature

ex. the grim reaper would be a symbol for death

climax

the highest point of tension or drama in a narratives’ plot

surrealism

to merge dreamlike and fantastical elements with everyday reality. It aims to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind and challenge conventional perceptions.

mood

how the story makes the reader feel

realism

depicts something that could actually happen

dirty realism

gritty, harsh realities of everyday life, often depicting the struggles of ordinary/working-class people

Bildungsroman

“coming of age”; growth, transformation; MC experiences epiphany/transformation (spiritual, mental, emotional, moral, etc.)

allusion

an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly

minimalism

simplicity, brevity, and a focus on essential details, allowing readers to engage their imagination and interpret the narrative

irony

a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is opposite of what is written/shown

verbal irony

“literary sarcasm”; what is said is opposite of what is meant

situational irony

situation/event contradicts what is expected

tragic irony

tragic ending, usually with sadness, violence, or danger; contrast of the individual hopes and wishes and the workings of dark, unyielding fate; what isn’t expected to happen, happens (bad) 

comic irony

“happy” ending; reconciliation, reunion, social harmony; what isn’t expected to happen, happens (good)

tragicomic irony

blends elements of tragedy (suffering, death, moral conflict) and comedy (resolution, absurdity, survival)