Literary Devices & Key Characters in Macbeth and 1984

Comic relief

Humor added to a serious story to lighten the mood.

Tragic hero

A main character whose downfall is caused by a mistake or weakness.

Tragic flaw

A weakness that leads to a character's downfall.

Allusion

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

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as.'

Stage directions

Instructions for actors about movement, actions, or setting.

Soliloquy

A speech in which a character reveals thoughts while alone on stage.

Drama

A story written to be performed by actors.

Fiction

Writing based on imagination.

Non-fiction

Writing based on facts and real events.

Free verse

Poetry without a regular rhyme or rhythm pattern.

Sonnet

A 14-line poem with a specific structure.

Tragedy

A story ending in disaster or sorrow.

Personification

Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.

Foreshadowing

Hints about what will happen later.

Metaphor

A comparison without using 'like' or 'as.'

Protagonist

The main character.

Antagonist

The character or force opposing the main character.

Aside

A brief comment spoken to the audience but not heard by other characters.

Puns

Jokes that play on different meanings of words.

Macbeth

A Scottish nobleman who becomes king after murdering Duncan.

Lady Macbeth

Macbeth's wife who encourages him to seek power.

King Duncan

The good and respected King of Scotland.

Fleance

Banquo's son who escapes after an attack on his father.

Banquo

Macbeth's friend and fellow nobleman who receives a prophecy from the witches.

Macduff

A Scottish nobleman who opposes Macbeth.

Lady Macduff

Macduff's wife who is killed by Macbeth's murderers.

Three Witches

Supernatural figures who predict Macbeth's rise and fall.

Porter

A comic character who provides comic relief after Duncan's murder.

Thoughtcrime

Thinking ideas that go against the Party.

Facecrime

Showing forbidden thoughts through facial expressions.

Doublethink

Accepting two contradictory beliefs as true.

Utopia

An ideal and perfect society.

Dystopia

An oppressive and unpleasant society.

Propaganda

Information used to influence people's opinions.

Pseudonyms

Fake names used by writers or other people.

Big Brother

The leader and symbol of the Party.

Emmanuel Goldstein

The Party's main enemy and a symbol of rebellion.

O'Brien

A Party member who deceives and later tortures Winston.

Winston Smith

The main character who secretly rebels against the Party.

Julia

Winston's lover who also rebels against the Party.

Mr. Charrington

An antique shop owner who is secretly a member of the Thought Police.