AP Lit Vocab #2

antagonist

antagonist

a character, or a group of characters, which stands in opposition to the protagonist, which is the main character

archetype

a literary device in which a character is created based on a set of qualities or traits that are specific and identifiable for readers

round character

well-developed and complex figures in a story

flat character

does not change during a story. Also, he or she usually only reveals one or two personality traits

climax

the particular point in a narrative at which the conflict or tension hits the highest point

complication

a situation or detail of a character that complicates the main thread of a plot

conflict

a major element of narrative or dramatic structure that creates challenges in a story by adding uncertainty as to whether the goal will be achieved

crisis

the decisive moment, or turning point, at which the rising action of the play is reversed to falling action

exposition

a literary device that is designed to convey important information, within a short story or novel, to the reader

falling action

it wraps up the narrative, resolves its loose ends, and leads toward the closure

flashback

a device used in stories, films, television episodes, etc., that interrupts the flow of the plot to “show” readers/viewers an event

foil

a literary piece depends on its use as well as the protagonist or other character whose foil it is

foreshadowing

a literary technique used by authors to hint at or suggest future events or outcomes in a story

frame

a literary technique that serves as a companion piece to a story within a story

humor

a literary tool that makes audiences laugh, or that intends to induce amusement or laughter

situational irony

a form of irony in which something takes place that is different or the opposite of what is expected to happen

melodrama

a subgenre of drama, which is an exaggerated form of this genre

narrative

the basis of storytelling; oral or written accounts that connect related events or incidents for the purpose of entertaining, educating, communicating, etc.

naturalism

a type of extreme realism - environment determines and governs the development of human character

point of view

utilized as a literary device to indicate the angle or perspective from which a story is told