Literary Terms

Front

Direct Characterization

Back

The author directly tells the reader what the traits of a character.

"She was kind and generous." (Direct)

Front

Indirect Characterization

Back

The process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.

"She spent her weekends volunteering at the shelter." (Indirect)

Front

Character Motivation

Back

The reasons behind a character's behaviors and actions in a given scene or throughout a story.

Example: A character studies hard to achieve their dream of becoming a doctor

Front

Tone

Back

The speaker's or author's attitude of a place, piece of writing, situation, etc.

Example: A sarcastic tone might include statements like, "Oh great, another homework assignment!"

Front

Diction

Back

The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

Example: Using "child" (formal) vs. "kiddo" (informal)​

Front

Denotation

Back

The literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests.

Example: "Home" denotes a place where one lives, but connotes warmth and family

Front

Connotation

Back

An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.

Example: "Home" denotes a place where one lives, but connotes warmth and family