Literary Terms

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A comparison of unlike things that uses 'like', 'as', or 'than'. (Ex. This room is like an oven.)

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An extreme exaggeration used for emphasis. (Ex. My backpack weighs a ton.)

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.5A

Front

What is an antagonist?

Back

A character or force who opposes the protagonist, often referred to as the villain.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A comparison of unlike things that states or implies that one thing is the other. (Ex. It is an oven in here.)

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What does 'to restate a question' mean?

Back

To reorder words from a question into a statement.

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Front

What is personification?

Back

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or objects. (Ex. The wind whispered through the trees.)

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5A

Front

What is imagery?

Back

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates a mental picture. (Ex. The golden sun set behind the purple mountains.)

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

What is direct characterization?

Back

The author explicitly describes a character's traits. (Ex. She was a brave and determined girl.)

Front

What is indirect characterization?

Back

The author reveals a character's traits through their actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What is a theme?

Back

The central idea or message in a literary work.

Tags

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D