English terms

Allegory

This is a story that has two meanings: the one you read on the surface, and a secret, deeper meaning about life, morals, or society. It's like a long extended metaphor.

Allusion

A quick, passing reference to a well-known person, famous book, movie, historical event, or artwork. The author assumes you'll recognize it.

Analogy

Explaining something unfamiliar by making a detailed comparison to something you already know. It helps support a complex idea.

Anecdote

A very short, quick story or account of a single, interesting incident. It's usually told to make a point or grab attention.

Apostrophe

A figure of speech where a speaker directly addresses someone or something that can't reply—like a dead person, an absent friend, or an object.

Antagonist

The character or force that creates the main problems and is against the protagonist (main character). They cause the central conflict.

Protagonist

The main character or hero of the story; the one the reader usually focuses on and roots for.

Characterization

The methods an author uses to show you what a character is like.

• Direct Characterization: The author simply tells you a character trait. (Example: "She was patient and wise."

Foil

A character who is the opposite of the main character in a significant way. This contrast makes the main character's traits stand out more.

Conflict

The struggle or problem between opposing forces in a story.

• Internal Conflict: A struggle that happens inside a character's mind (like a tough decision, guilt, or fear). (Man vs. Himself).

• External Conflict: A struggle between a character and something outside of them (another person, nature, or society). (Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature).

Stereotype

An image or idea of a particular type of person or group. Authors sometimes use these shortcuts to make a character instantly recognizable, though they are often negative and inaccurate.

Climax

The most intense or exciting point in the story; the big turning point right before the main conflict is resolved.

Complication

A new difficulty or obstacle that arises, making the central problem harder or more complex to solve.

Flashback

 An interruption in the story's timeline that jumps back to an earlier event to provide important background information.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues dropped early in the story that suggest what will happen later.

Suspense

The feeling of excited tension, anxiety, or anticipation that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next, especially as the climax approaches.

Point of View (POV):

The perspective from which the story is told.

• First-Person: A character in the story is telling it, using "I."

• Third-Person Limited: An outside narrator tells the story, focusing on the thoughts and feelings of only one character ("He/She").

Third-Person Omniscient: An outside narrator knows everything about all the characters, including their secret thoughts.

Symbolism

When an object, person, or action in a literary work means more than itself—it stands for a larger idea.

Thematic Topic

The general subject matter of a piece of writing. It can usually be expressed in one word or a short phrase.

Theme

The message, lesson, or truth about life, society, or human nature that the author wishes to convey. It must be written as a complete statement.

Thematic Statement

A single, clear, insightful sentence that describes the author's specific interpretation of the theme in that particular work.

Title

(Significance): Analyzing how the title connects to the events, characters, or message of the work to gain new insight into the story's meaning.