Grade 8 Literary Analysis Notes Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering Grade 8 literary analysis concepts including prose, character types, characterization methods, setting, plot structure, and types of conflict.

Afro-Asian Literature

Term used to describe the spoken or written literary works such as short stories and poems, by people from Africa, and Asian countries.

Prose

A general classification of literature, either oral or written, that follows the natural flow of speech. It is the most common form of writing used in both fiction and non-fiction.

Character

A person, animal, being, creature or thing represented in a story, used by writers to perform actions and speak dialogue so that the plot can move forward.

Major Character

A character who is central to the story's events and meaning.

Minor Character

A character who supports the story but usually has a smaller role.

Round Character

A fully developed, life-like, and complex character with many sides shown.

Flat Character

A one dimensional or simple character shown with one main trait.

Dynamic Character

A character who changes or grows throughout the story by the end.

Static Character

A character who does not go through major change and stays mostly the same.

Characterization

The way a writer presents a character's physical traits, personality, point of view, thoughts and action.

Appearance

A method of characterization that addresses what the character looks like.

Reactions

A method of characterization that addresses what others say or do because of the character.

Speech and Thoughts

A method of characterization that addresses what the character says, thinks, feels, or dreams.

Consequences

A method of characterization that addresses what happens because of the character's choices.

Actions

A method of characterization that addresses what the character does or refuses to do.

Setting

The time and place where the story happens, including location, time, mood, and atmosphere.

Plot

The sequence of events in the story.

Exposition

The introduction of characters, setting, and basic situation at the start of a story.

Rising Action

Events in a plot leading up to the conflict.

Climax

The turning point or most intense moment in the plot.

Falling Action

The events after the climax showing the result of the character's decision and leading the story toward its end or resolution.

Resolution

The end of the story where the conflict is fully resolved and shows how the character's life has changed.

Conflict

The central problem or struggle in the story.

External Conflict

A struggle between the characters and outside forces.

Internal Conflict

A struggle that happens within the character's mind or heart.

Character vs. Character

A conflict where a character has a problem with another character.

Character vs. Self

A conflict where the character struggles with emotions, fears, or decisions.

Character vs. Nature

A conflict where the character fights against natural forces like storms, animals, or disasters.

Character vs. Society

A conflict where the character disagrees with laws, rules, or the expectations of a group.

Character vs. Supernatural

A conflict where the character battles something beyond the natural world.

Character vs. Technology

A conflict where the character struggles with machines, robots, or artificial intelligence.