Literary and Academic Terms

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Suffix

Back

A word part added to the end of a root to change its meaning (e.g., -ful in 'joyful').

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Affix

Back

Includes both prefixes and suffixes; modifies the meaning of words.

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Root Word

Back

The base word that provides the core meaning (e.g., 'love' in 'lovely').

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Prefix

Back

A word part added to the beginning of a root (e.g., un- in 'undo').

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Rising Action

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Events in a story leading to the climax, building tension.

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Character Foil

Back

A character that contrasts with another, highlighting specific traits.

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Flashback

Back

An interruption in the plot to show past events.

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Irony

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A contrast between expectation and reality (e.g., verbal, situational, or dramatic).

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Linear Plot

Back

A story told in chronological order.

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Nonlinear Plot

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A story told out of chronological order using devices like flashbacks.