Mystery and Suspense Vocabulary Terms and Definitions

A type of narrative or a plot device in which the end is curiously abrupt so that the main characters are left in a difficult situation, without offering any resolution of conflicts.

• Grim Humor

• Motive

• Cliffhanger

• Irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Descriptive language that is used to help people visualize the setting and actions of the story.

• Figurative Language

• Narration

• Point of View

• Mood

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

A temporary change in the time frame in the story. The main character(s) visit a moment from the past.

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Memory

• Grim Humor

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

A warning or indication of an upcoming event. The author gives hints to the readers about what will happen.

• Point of View

• Mystery

• Pacing

• Foreshadowing

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation. It makes the reader laugh and wince at the same time.

• Grim Humor

• Comedic Timing

• Suspense

• Pacing

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Occurs when events or words create a twist or are the opposite of what is expected. This creates a sense of surprise, humor, or deeper meaning.

• Flashback

• Suspense

• Mood

• Irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

• Words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean, often sarcastic.

• Verbal Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Situational Irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

• The outcome of a situation is opposite of what we expect, creating a twist for the reader. 

• Verbal Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Situational Irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

• The audience knows something that the characters in the story do not know.

• Verbal Irony

• Dramatic Irony

• Situational Irony

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

It creates an emotional setting that surrounds the readers. It is developed through various methods, including setting, theme, tone, and diction.

• Mood

• Motive

• Mystery

• Macabre

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4