English lit terms

Imagery

Description that appeals to the senses

Metaphor

A comparison of two unlike objects, NOT using "like" or "as"

Situational Irony

When something in a story is resolved in the opposite way that a reader would expect.

Theme

The main message of a story

Symbol

Something that represents something else

Motif

Something repeated throughout a story

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as"

Indirect characterization

Defining a character by revealing traits through their thoughts, dialogue, or actions.

Direct characterization

Defining a character through their physical attributes, jobs, or other straight-forward statements.

External conflict

Conflict that exists outside of the character; character vs. society

Intrapersonal conflict

Conflict that occurs within a character; character vs. self

Interpersonal conflict

Conflict that occurs between characters; character vs. character

Verbal irony

speaker says the opposite of what they mean

dramatic irony

readers know something the characters in the story don’t

protagonist

main character

antagonist

character that stands against main character

foreshadowing

Author gives hints or clues early in a story about what will happen later

mood

feeling the reader gets from elements in the story 

Tone

The writers attitude

anecdote

short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

repetition

phrase or word is repeated to emphasize or highlight something