English - Milestone 1 Vocab (Fiction)

Question 1

Direct characterisation

Answer 1

The author explicitly describes a character’s traits (e.g., “She was kind and gentle”).

Question 2

Indirect characterisation

Answer 2

The reader infers traits through a character’s actions, dialogue, thoughts, or how others react to them.

Question 3

Archetype

Answer 3

A universal character model or pattern (e.g., the hero, the mentor).

Question 4

Foil

Answer 4

A character who contrasts with another, highlighting their traits.

Question 5

Linear narrative

Answer 5

Events are presented in chronological order.

Question 6

Non-linear narrative

Answer 6

Events are presented out of order (e.g., flashbacks, flashforwards).

Question 7

Conflict

Answer 7

The main problem driving the story, either internal (character vs. self) or external (character vs. other forces like society, nature, or another character).

Question 8

Foreshadowing

Answer 8

Hints about events to come.

Question 9

Climax

Answer 9

The turning point or moment of highest tension.

Question 10

Setting

Answer 10

The time, place, and social context of the story. Setting can contribute to the mood (emotional tone) or act as a symbol.

Question 11

Pathetic fallacy

Answer 11

Attributing human emotions to nature or the environment to reflect mood.

Question 12

First person

Answer 12

The narrator is a character in the story (e.g., “I walked to the store”).

Question 13

Third-person limited

Answer 13

The narrator knows the thoughts of one character.

Question 14

Third-person omniscient

Answer 14

The narrator knows the thoughts of all characters.

Question 15

Unreliable narrator

Answer 15

A narrator whose credibility is questionable.

Question 16

Stream of consciousness

Answer 16

A narrative style that mimics the flow of a character’s thoughts.

Question 17

Intrusive narrator

Answer 17

A narrator who interrupts the story to provide commentary.

Question 18

Imagery

Answer 18

Descriptive language appealing to the senses (e.g., “The roses smelled sweet and filled the air with a heady aroma”).

Question 19

Figurative language

Answer 19

Creative expressions that go beyond literal meaning

Question 20

Metaphor

Answer 20

Direct comparison (e.g., “Her smile was sunshine”).

Question 21

Simile

Answer 21

Comparison using “like” or “as” (e.g., “He ran like the wind”).

Question 22

Personification

Answer 22

Giving human qualities to non-human things (e.g., “The wind whispered through the trees”).

Question 23

Symbolism

Answer 23

Using objects or characters to represent abstract ideas (e.g., a dove symbolizing peace).

Question 24

Motif

Answer 24

A recurring element, such as an image or idea, that reinforces themes.

Question 25

Allusion

Answer 25

A reference to another text, historical event, or cultural figure.

Question 26

Allegory

Answer 26

A story functioning as an extended metaphor where characters and events represent abstract ideas

Question 27

Tone

Answer 27

The author’s attitude toward the subject (e.g., serious, sarcastic, playful).

Question 28

Mood

Answer 28

The emotional atmosphere created by the text (e.g., eerie, uplifting).