English - Genre Specific Language Terms

Direct characterisation

The author explicitly describes a character's traits (e.g., "She was kind and gentle").

Indirect characterisation

The reader infers traits through a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, or how others react to them.

Archetype

A universal character model or pattern (e.g., the hero, the mentor).

Foil

A character who contrasts with another, highlighting their traits.

Linear narrative

Events are presented in chronological order.

Non-linear narrative

Events are presented out of order (e.g., flashbacks, flashforwards).

Conflict

The main problem driving the story, either internal (character vs. self) or external (character vs. other forces like society, nature, or another character).

Foreshadowing

Hints about events to come.

Climax

The turning point or moment of highest tension.

Setting

The time, place, and social context of the story. Setting can contribute to the mood (emotional tone) or act as a symbol.

Pathetic fallacy

Attributing human emotions to nature or the environment to reflect mood.

First-person

The narrator is a character in the story (e.g., "I walked to the store").

Third-person limited

The narrator knows the thoughts of one character.

Third-person omniscient

The narrator knows the thoughts of all characters.

Unreliable narrator

A narrator whose credibility is questionable.

Stream of consciousness

A narrative style that mimics the flow of a character's thoughts.

Intrusive narrator

A narrator who interrupts the story to provide commentary.

Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses (e.g., "The roses smelled sweet and filled the air with a heady aroma").

Figurative language

Creative expressions that go beyond literal meaning

Metaphor

Direct comparison (e.g., "Her smile was sunshine").

Simile

Comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He ran like the wind").

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered through the trees").

Symbolism

Using objects or characters to represent abstract ideas (e.g., a dove symbolizing peace).

Motif

A recurring element, such as an image or idea, that reinforces themes.

Allusion

A reference to another text, historical event, or cultural figure.

Allegory

A story functioning as an extended metaphor where characters and events represent abstract ideas (e.g., George Orwell's Animal Farm).

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject (e.g., serious, sarcastic, playful)/The speaker's attitude (e.g., reflective, defiant).

Mood

The emotional atmosphere created by the text (e.g., eerie, uplifting)/The emotional effect on the reader (e.g., melancholic, jubilant).

Purpose

The reason the author writes the text (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain, or reflect).

Audience

The intended readers or viewers, influencing tone and style.

Chronological

Events or points presented in time order.

Cause and Effect

Explaining why something happens and its consequences.

Compare and Contrast

Highlighting similarities and differences between ideas.

Problem-Solution

Presenting an issue and proposing resolutions.

Cyclical structure

A structure where the ending mirrors or reflects the beginning.

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas, events, or descriptions close together for effect.

Formal language

Polished, professional tone with precise vocabulary.

Informal language

Conversational tone, including colloquialisms and slang.

Rhetorical questions

Questions posed to provoke thought rather than elicit an answer (e.g., "Who wouldn't want success?").

Cliche

an over-used expression. (e.g., It was a dark and stormy night).

Ethos

Establishing credibility or authority (e.g., citing expertise).

Pathos

Appealing to emotions (e.g., a personal anecdote).

Logos

Appealing to logic through facts and statistics.

Chiasmus

A rhetorical figure where words or phrases are reversed for effect (e.g., "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country").

Antithesis

Contrasting ideas placed in parallel structures (e.g., "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times").

Jargon

Specialised language used, often defined by profession or group of shared interests.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for effect (e.g., "This product will change your life!").

Anecdote

A short personal story to illustrate a point.

Direct address

Speaking directly to the audience (e.g., "You need to act now").

Imperative

An order or command for an action.

Repetition

words or statements used more than once for emphasis

Point of view

The author's perspective or stance.

Bias

The author's subjective views or preferences, often revealed through word choice.

Euphemism

Mild or indirect phrasing to soften harsh realities (e.g., "passed away" instead of "died").

Satire

Use of humour, irony, or ridicule to criticise or expose flaws in individuals or society.

Lineation

How lines are arranged in the poem (e.g., long lines, short lines).

Stanza forms

Groupings of lines (e.g., couplets, quatrains).

Enjambment

A line that flows without pause into the next.

Caesura

A pause within a line, often marked by punctuation.

Volta

A shift in tone or argument, especially in sonnets.

Free verse

Poetry without a regular rhyme or meter.

Imagery

Vivid sensory descriptions to evoke specific images or emotions.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds (e.g., "The rain in Spain").

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate sounds (e.g., "buzz," "clang").

Sibilance

Repetition of "s" or "sh" sounds to create a hissing or soothing effect.

Cacophony

Use of harsh, discordant sounds.

Euphony

Use of pleasing, harmonious sounds.

Hyperbole

Exaggeration for effect.

Persona

The voice or role assumed by the poet or speaker.

Dramatic monologue

A poem in which the speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their character indirectly.