Literary Terms
main character of a literary work, usually the hero.
What is the protagonist?
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase
What is a synonym?
opposing force, against the main character
What is an Antagonist?
Lola wanted to die of embarrassment is an example of this
What is hyperbole?
Cuckoo and sizzle are examples of this
What is onomatopoeia?
method by which a writer describes a character’s personality
What is Characterization?
type of literature (i.e. historical fiction, non-fiction, science fiction)
What is genre?
perspective from which the story is told (i.e. first person, second person, third person limited, third person omniscient)
What is Point of View?
She is like an angel is an example of this
What is a simile?
The toaster wished that it was time for breakfast again is an example of this
What is personification?
author takes the reader back in time to a memory
What is Flashback?
prediction or hints of what will happen
What is Foreshadow?
the time and place of the story
What is the Setting?
The big brown bear boldly bowed to the royal red raccoon is an example of this.
What is alliteration?
The feeling you get from a poem is this.
What is the mood?
the author's lesson or message about life of a literary work.
What is a theme?
attitude the writer takes toward the reader, subject and/or character
What is tone?
solution to the main conflict in a story
What is resolution?
A group of at least four lines in a poem based on meter is called this
What is a stanza?
The voice behind the poem; the person saying the poem
What is the speaker?
contrast between what is expected to happen and what really occurs
What is irony?
figure of speech where an object has deeper meaning than the object itself (object represents an idea)
What is symbolism?
point in the story that creates the greatest suspense or interest
What is climax?
My love for you is an ocean is an example of this.
What is a metaphor?
A word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning is this
What is figurative language?