english - terminology

theme

A central topic or idea explored in a literary work, which conveys a broader message or moral beyond the surface narrative.

main idea

the central point or message an author wants to convey about a topic

static character

A character who does not undergo significant change throughout the story.

dynamic character

A character who undergoes significant development or change throughout the story.

mood

the emotional atmosphere of a literary work, affecting the audience's feelings.

refers to the speaker's attitude or intent

tone

the author's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and style.

repetition

the intentional reuse of words, phrases, sounds, or ideas to create emphasis, rhythm, emotional impact, and memorability

allusion

a brief, indirect reference to a well-known person, place, thing, idea, or event from history, used to add deeper meaning or context without lengthy explanation

setting

the time, place, and circumstances where something happens

protagonist

the main character in a story, book, movie, or play, driving the plot, facing the central conflict

antagonist

a character or force that opposes the protagonist (main character) in a story, creating conflict and driving the plot by obstructing their goals

exposition

the introduction part that provides essential background information

climax

the peak moment of tension, the turning point where the main conflict comes to a head, and the protagonist faces their biggest challenge, leading directly to the story's resolution

resolution

the final part of the plot where the main conflicts are resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the story concludes, providing closure and revealing the ultimate outcomes for characters

juxtaposition

a technique where authors place two contrasting elements (characters, ideas, settings, actions) side-by-side to highlight their differences, create a deeper meaning

simile

a figure of speech, that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"

metaphor

a figure of speech that directly states one thing is another, without using "like" or "as,"

hyperbole

using extreme exaggeration not meant to be taken literally, but to create emphasis

personification

human qualities, emotions, or actions are given to inanimate objects, animals, or abstract ideas, making them seem alive and relatable

alliteration

the same consonant sound repeats at the beginning of closely connected words, creating rhythm, emphasis, and musicality