A
When the author tells you what a character is like. This means the writer says something directly about the character’s personality, feelings, or appearance.
Direct characterization
most exciting or important part of a story — the moment when the main problem reaches its peak. It’s the turning point where things start to change for the main character
the climax
a funny story that is exaggerated and unbelievable, but told as if it’s true. It often has a hero who does amazing or impossible things.
a tall tale
an exaggeration used to make a point or show strong feeling. It’s not meant to be taken literally. Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a whole mountain! (You’re really hungry, but not literally eating a mountain.)
hyperbole
a word that sounds like the noise it describes.
Onomatopoeia
where and when a story takes place
Setting
feeling or atmosphere that a story, poem, or text creates for the reader. It’s how the story makes you feel — like happy, sad, scary, or excited.
Mood
a character who changes or grows during the story. They learn something new or see things differently by the end.
dynamic character
a story that usually starts with “Once upon a time” and includes magic, fantasy, and happy endings. It often has princesses, heroes, magical creatures, and lessons.
fairytale
a traditional story that explains natural events, customs, or beliefs. Often involve gods, goddesses, or heroes and try to explain how something came to be.
myth
very short story that teaches a moral or lesson. Fables often have animals that talk and act like humans.
fable
feeling of excitement, tension, or worry you get when you don’t know what will happen next in a story. It keeps you interested and wanting to keep reading.
suspense
a way to compare two unlike things by saying one thing is another. It helps you imagine something in a new way.
metaphor
shows you what a character is like by how they act, speak, or look, or by what other characters say about them — but the author doesn’t tell you directly.
indirect characterization
the author’s attitude or feeling about the subject in a story or poem. It shows how the author feels — like happy, serious, angry, or funny.
tone
who is telling the story. It shows the narrator’s perspective — how they see and understand what happens.
point of view
a traditional story from the past that explains something about a culture or a place. They often have some truth but include fantastic or exaggerated details.
legend
the words that describe what a character is like on the inside — their personality, feelings, and behavior.
character traits
the main character in a story. They are the one the story focuses on, and usually the character who faces the main problem or challenge.
protagonist
when the author gives hints or clues about something that will happen later in the story. It helps prepare you for what’s coming.
foreshadowing
type of story that is made up but happens in the past. It includes real historical events, places, or people, but the characters and story are mostly invented.
historical fiction
true story that someone writes about a part of their own life. It shares their personal experiences and feelings.
memoir
point of view, the narrator tells the story about other people using he, she, or they, but only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
third person limited
the character or force that opposes the main character (the protagonist). They create the problem or conflict in the story.
antagonist
the series of events that make up a story — what happens from the beginning to the end. It usually includes the problem, events that build up, the most exciting part, and how it ends.
plot