lit terms set 2 / 2026

lit terms set 2 / 2026

Allusion

A brief reference to a famous person, place, event, or work.

Antagonist

The character or force that opposes the main character.

Protagonist

The main character of a story.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another to highlight their traits.

Motif

A recurring image, idea, or pattern in a story.

Allegory

A story in which characters and events represent deeper ideas or morals.

Satire

Using humor or exaggeration to criticize people or society.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words used together, like "deafening silence."

Paradox

A statement that seems contradictory but holds truth.

Pun

A play on words using multiple meanings or similar sounds.

Idiom

A phrase whose meaning differs from its literal words.

Diction

The author's choice of words.

Dialect

A way of speaking specific to a region or group.

Dialogue

Conversation between characters.

Soliloquy

A speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, alone.

Suspense

Tension or anticipation about what will happen next.

Exposition

Background information that introduces characters, setting, and conflict.

Rising Action

Events that build tension toward the climax.

Falling Action

Events after the climax that lead toward the ending.

Resolution

The outcome where conflicts are resolved.