Show:
Literary
Devices
Elements
of Fiction
Vocabulary
in Context
Grammar
100

a direct comparison that does not use "like" or "as"

What is a METAPHOR?

100

In Farenheit 451, we see many "Character vs. Technology" examples, but there are several other types of this element of fiction, and every story must have one.

What is CONFLICT?

100
"I wish the teacher had been less ambiguous with her directions for the project. Maybe then I wouldn't have made so many silly mistakes."


The definition of AMBIGUOUS

What is unclear, or open to multiple interpretations?
100

A word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being in a sentence.

What is a VERB?

200

An example of this literary device might include a description of a tree weeping or the wind howling.

What is PERSONIFICATION?

200

The underlying message or idea in a literary work. Most often, it is something that is universal, widely applicable, and timelessly relevant.

What is THEME?

200

"Even though I hurt your feelings, I didn't do it to be malicious. I had no idea you were so sensitive about your height..."

The definition of MALICIOUS

What is "done with the intention of causing harm, injury, or suffering"?

200

A word that signifies a person, place, thing, or idea.

What is a NOUN?

300

The following statement includes an example of this literary device: "When I found out Mr. Moser wasn't coming back to East, my excitement for the new school deflated like a leaky balloon."

What is a SIMILE?

300

This refers to the narrative perspective. It may be described in terms of first, second, or third person, limited or omniscient. Scout's is used in To Kill a Mockingbird.

What is POINT OF VIEW?

300

"When I go trick-or-treating, I always come home with copious amounts of candy!"

The definition of COPIOUS

What is "a large amount, or having more than necessary"?

300

These are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses together. Some examples are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so...

What is a CONJUNCTION?

400

when a writer subtly hints at something that will happen later in the story

What is FORESHADOWING?

400

When we talk about characters in a novel or short story, at least one of these two types is usually our main focus.
(Hint: when we first learn about this, sometimes it is simplified to good guys and bad guys, but by now we know it's more complex...)

What are PROTAGONIST and ANTAGONIST?

400
"In 9th grade, I tried to cultivate better study habits, but by the second marking period I had made other things a priority instead."


The definition of CULTIVATE

What is "grow or develop"?

400

Words that are used to modify or describe a noun. Some examples are words like dreary, elegant, mystical, and magical...

What is an ADJECTIVE?

500

The definition of IRONY

What is the contrast, or difference, between expectation and reality?

500

Mood refers to the emotional response a text evokes in the reader. This element of fiction is similar, but it's used to describe the feelings of the narrator or writer.

What is TONE?

500

"The detective’s visage showed pure frustration as the suspect walked free."

The definition of VISAGE

What is "the look or mood shown by someone's facial features"

500

These are general words we can use to replace a proper or specific noun. Some examples are he, she, they, it, we, I...

What is a PRONOUN?