Lit Terms (Short Story Test)

metaphor

a comparison of two unlike things WITHOUT using like or as.

simile

a comparison of two unlike things using LIKE or AS.

hyperbole

an exaggeration for emphasis or humorous effect.

alliteration

repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words

personification

giving human qualities to animals or inanimate objects

onomatopoeia

words whose sounds suggest their meaning

imagery

details that appeal to the five senses (see, hear, smell, taste, touch)

protagonist

the main character or hero

antagonist

a force working against the protagonist

internal conflict

when a character struggles within himself/ herself

external conflict

when a character struggles against another person or force

irony

a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens

dynamic character

a character who changes significantly over the course of the story

static character

a character who changes very little or not at all over the course of the story

foreshadowing

when the writer provides hints/ clues that suggest upcoming events in the story

mood

the atmosphere created by the author; how the READER feels

setting

the time and place a story takes place

symbol

a person, place, object, or idea that stands for something beyond itself

theme

the overall message of a piece of writing

point of view

the perspective the story is told from (first, second, third)