Character Central
The character who opposes the main character — sometimes a villain, sometimes not.
What is an antagonist?
The part of the story that introduces setting, characters, and background.
What is the exposition?
A comparison that uses “like” or “as.”
What is a simile?
A universal message or lesson a story conveys.
What is the theme?
The narrator is a character in the story and uses “I” or “we.”
What is first-person point of view?
This type of character changes in personality, beliefs, or understanding from the start to the end of the story.
What is a dynamic character?
The most intense moment in the plot — the turning point of the story.
What is the climax?
“The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky” — name the device.
What is personification?
A reference to another work, person, or event, often used for comparison or connection.
What is an allusion?
The narrator addresses the reader as “you” — rare in fiction.
What is second-person point of view?
Harry Potter vs. Voldemort is an example of this specific type of conflict.
What is man vs. man?
This is the series of events after the climax that lead to the resolution.
What is the falling action?
This figurative device gives animals or objects human traits so that they actually “become” human-like characters.
What is anthropomorphism?
A hint or warning about events yet to come.
What is foreshadowing?
This is why the author wrote the piece — to inform, persuade, or entertain.
What is the author’s purpose?
A character remains emotionally and mentally the same throughout the plot.
What is a static character?
When a story ends on an unresolved moment, making the reader want more.
What is a cliffhanger?
“The test was a piece of cake” — identify the figurative device.
What is an idiom?
An object, person, or event that represents an abstract idea.
What is symbolism?
The narrator is not in the story and reveals only one character’s thoughts.
What is third-person limited?
A story where the protagonist is trying to survive against a dangerous hurricane... or alone in the wilderness.
What is Man vs Nature?
A jump back in time to reveal information crucial to the plot.
What is a flashback?
“The enemy’s defeat was a bitter victory” — name the literary term.
What is an oxymoron?
The feeling a reader gets from the text — gloomy, cheerful, tense, etc.
What is the mood?
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.
What is the tone?