Story
a character that develops and grows during the course of the story
dynamic character
a brief story told to entertain or to make a point
anecdote
poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter lines
blank verse
notes included in a drama to describe how the work is to be performed or staged
stage directions
a main character defeated by a tragic flaw, a mistake or character defect
tragic hero
a character who provides a contrast to another character
foil
essay that gives information, discusses ideas, or explains a process
expository essay
writing or speech not meant to be interpreted literally, often used to create vivid impressions by setting up comparisons between dissimilar things
figurative language
a long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage
soliloquy
a humorous work in which the author imitates the style or ideas of other works in an exaggerated or a ridiculous way
parody
a means by which authors present material that occurred earlier than the present time of the narrative
flashback
special patterns of words and ideas that create emphasis and stir emotion, especially in speeches or other oral presentations
rhetorical devices
a three line verse form with a 5-7-5 pattern of syllables
haiku
a conversation between characters
dialogue
explain the actions of gods and their interactions with humans, may explain the causes of natural phenomena or the origins of cultural traditions
myths
the use in a literary work of clues that suggest events that have yet to occur
foreshadowing
the writer's attitude toward his or her audience and subject
tone
a fourteen-line lyric poem, usually written in rhymed iambic pentameter
sonnet
a short speech delivered by a character in a play to the audience, rather than other characters, in order to express his or her thoughts and feelings
aside
long narrative poems that describe the adventures of heroes important to their culture
epic
A story within a story, within sometimes yet another story
frame story
facts, statistics, examples, reasons, descriptions, or expert opinions in an essay
supporting details
a repeated grouping of two or more lines in a poem that often share a pattern of rhythm and rhyme
stanza
plays are divided into these large units
act (in drama)
events, beliefs, and values that shape the culture in which the author lives
cultural context