Literary Terms Flashcards

Flashcards for English Literature Terms

Setting

The location and time frame in which the story takes place.

Theme

The central idea or underlying meaning of a story.

Character

A person or figure in a narrative; can be main or secondary.

Protagonist

The main character in a story, often the hero.

Symbol

An object, person, or idea that represents something else.

Resolution

The end of the story where the conflict is resolved.

Antagonist

A character who opposes the protagonist.

Conflict

The struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Point of View

The perspective from which the story is told.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Simile

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses.

Mood

The atmosphere or feeling created in a literary work.

Rising Action

The part of the story where the conflict develops and tension builds.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Resolution

The end of the story where the conflict is resolved.

Climax

The turning point in the story, often the moment of highest tension.

Exposition

The beginning of the story where characters and setting are introduced.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

Irony (dramatic and verbal)

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens (dramatic and verbal types).

Falling Action

The part of the story after the climax, leading to the resolution.