Definitions
Plot
Figurative Language
Author's Choice
Examples
100

This term is also called the "storyline"

plot

100

the decisive moment or major turning point in a plot

climax

100

compares two different things, using the words “like” or “as”

simile

100

the author's word choice

diction

100

Gatsby is the ________ of The Great Gatsby

protagonist

200

a recurring image, idea, word(s), action, object, or situation

motif

200

the portion of a work that provides the background information needed to understand the characters and the action

exposition

200

a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable

metaphor

200

Literal or figurative images used by the author

imagery

200

The Green Light in the Great Gatsby is an example of ______.

motif

300

the leading character, hero, or heroine

protagonist

300

the final resolution of the plot or conflict

denouement 

300

giving human characteristics to nonhuman or abstract things

personification

300

the reflection in a work of the author’s attitude toward his or her subject, characters, etc.

tone

300

Nick Carraway is the _______ in the Great Gatsby.

Narrator 

400

the position of the narrator in relation to the story

point of view 

400

the form or the shape of a plot

dramatic structure

400

a great exaggeration, often unrealistic, to add emphasis to a sentiment

hyperbole

400

a character’s sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something.

epiphany

400

The story of "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" may be an ______ for the story of Jesus 

allegory 

500

the location and time in which the action takes place

setting

500

 the events that follow as a consequence of the climax

falling action 

500

a reference to a preexisting person, work, event, or well-known piece of pop culture

allusion

500

is a figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant.  

verbal irony

500

The angel not appearing as expected is an example of  _______.

irony