Literary Terms
What is the struggle between opposing forces in a story called?
Conflict
What do we call a comparison using “like” or “as”?
Simile
What’s the point of view that uses “I” or “we”?
First person
What structure tells events in order?
Chronological
Define theme
The central message or lesson in a story
What do we call the time and place of a story?
Setting
What is a metaphor?
A comparison without using “like” or “as”
In which point of view is the narrator outside the story but knows one character’s thoughts?
Third person limited
What structure shows a problem and ways to fix it?
Problem and solution
What is the main point of a nonfiction text called?
Main Idea
What is the sequence of events in a story?
Plot
What is hyperbole?
An exaggeration for effect
What is third person omniscient?
The narrator knows all characters’ thoughts
What’s the structure that juxtaposes similarities and differences?
Compare and Contrast
Can a theme be one word? Why or why not?
No—it must be a full idea or message.
What do we call an object that represents a deeper meaning or idea?
Symbol
An exaggeration for effect
Giving human traits to non-human things
What’s the difference between point of view and perspective?
POV = narrator; perspective = character's views
What does cause and effect show?
A reason something happens and the result
What's the difference between main idea and theme?
Main idea = facts/info; theme = message/lesson
What is the reason behind a character’s actions?
Motivation
What is irony?
A contrast between what is expected and what happens
What does the author’s tone help the reader understand?
The author's attitude or feelings
What are clue words for chronological order?
First, next, then, finally
How do you find the theme of a story?
By looking at character actions, conflict, and resolution