Give Word
Used in Greek tragedies, refers to excessive pride that usually leads to a hero’s downfall
Hubris
Tragedy
A drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances
Pun
Play on words, when two words have multiple meanings and spellings and are used in a humorous manner
When a higher power toys with human expectations
Cosmic Irony
Irony
When one thing should occur, is apparent, or in logical sequence but the opposite actually occurs
Verbal Irony
When one thing is said, but something else, usually the opposite, is meant
A literary or artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of an author or a work for comic effect or ridicule
Parody
Farce
A type of comedy in which ridiculous and often stereotyped characters are involved in silly, far-fetched situations
Satire
A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit; the goal is to change the behavior/issue
Brief, cleverly worded statement that makes a wise observation about life
Aphorism
Soliloquy
A dramatic or literary form of discourse in which a character talks to himself or herself or reveals his or her thoughts without addressing a listener
Inversion
The reversal of the normal word order in a sentence or phrase
When the audience or reader knows something characters do not know
Dramatic Irony
Foil
A character that by contrast underscores or enhances the distinctive characteristics of another
Fable
A usually short narrative making an edifying or cautionary point and often employing as characters animals that speak and act like humans