Literary Terms

Question 1

Characterization

Answer 1

The method in which the author develops a character. This includes the character’s thoughts, words, and actions, and what the narrator and other character’s say about him/her.

Question 2

Theme

Answer 2

The main moral or message of a piece of literature.

Question 3

Point of View

Answer 3

The perspective from which a story is told (narrated)

Question 4

First Person

Answer 4

The narrator is a part of the story and uses personal pronouns (I, me)

Question 5

Third Person

Answer 5

The narrator is an outside voice telling the story, not a part of the story.

Question 6

Third Person Omniscient

Answer 6

The narrator is an outside voice that is all knowing.

Question 7

Direct

Answer 7

Tells the audience what the personality of the characters.

Question 8

Indirect

Answer 8

Shows things that reveal the personality of a character. (This can reveal through a characters speech, thoughts, actions and interactions)

Question 9

Dynamic

Answer 9

That experience changes throughout the plot of a story. The Change may be gradual and take place throughout a story.

Question 10

Static

Answer 10

That do not experience basic character changes during the course of the story.

Question 11

Protagonist

Answer 11

The central character or hero.

Question 12

Antagonist

Answer 12

A person or force that opposes the protagonist.

Question 13

Setting

Answer 13

The time and place in which a story takes place.

Question 14

Plot

Answer 14

The structure of a story.

Question 15

Exposition

Answer 15

The basic background information is revealed setting, character and past events.

Question 16

Rising action

Answer 16

Conflict Develops

Question 17

Climax

Answer 17

The turning point of the story; interest and intensity are at its peak.

Question 18

Falling action

Answer 18

Events that occur after the climax.

Question 19

Resolution

Answer 19

Conflicts are resolved; the way things are going to be from now on.

Question 20

Conflict

Answer 20

Problem

Question 21

Internal

Answer 21

Within a character’s own mind- a personal conflict

Question 22

External

Answer 22

A problem a character faces with an outside force.

A. Character vs. Character
B. Character vs. Nature
C. Character vs. Society –> government, human expectations

Question 23

Situational

Answer 23

When something other that what is expected to happen happens.

Question 24

Dramatic

Answer 24

When the reader or audience knows more about a situation than a character.

Question 25

Verbal

Answer 25

When a person says or writes something, but means something else (sarcasm)

Question 26

Symbolism

Answer 26

When an object stands for something greater than itself.