8th Grade LA Literary Terms and Concepts

Front

Nonfiction

Back

Writing that tells about real people, places, events, or facts.

Front

Dystopian

Back

A story set in an imagined world where society is unpleasant, oppressive, or controlled.

Front

Short Story

Back

A brief work of fiction that usually focuses on one main character and a single conflict.

Front

Allusion

Back

A reference to a well-known person, event, or work of art, literature, or history.

Front

Antagonist

Back

The character or force that opposes the protagonist and creates conflict.

Front

Direct Characterization

Back

When the author tells the reader exactly what a character is like.

Front

Indirect Characterization

Back

When the author shows a character’s traits through actions, speech, thoughts, or how others react.

Front

Flat Character

Back

A character with only one or two traits, often not very developed.

Front

Dynamic Character

Back

A character who changes or grows throughout the story.

Front

Climax

Back

The turning point or most exciting moment of a story.