Understanding Literary Terms and Concepts

The way an author organizes information in a text.

• text structure

• text format

• text layout

• text design

A variety of emotions and ideas suggested by a word. It can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• word connotation

• word denotation

• word implication

• word context

the author's feelings and/or attitude towards story events and other characters.

• mood

• theme

• tone

• setting

the problem in a story.

• resolution

• theme

• conflict

• characterization

The process of drawing a conclusion based on gathered reasons, evidence, and background knowledge.

• deduction

• inference

• assumption

• hypothesis

Words and/or actions that describe the personality of a character in a story.

• character traits

• plot devices

• narrative techniques

• setting elements

An author's perspective on a topic

• point of view

• narrative style

• literary device

• theme

The type of figurative language in which an author uses exaggeration for emphasis purposes.

• metaphor

• simile

• hyperbole

• alliteration

The person who tells the story.

• author

• narrator

• editor

• protagonist

A viewpoint that does NOT align with the author's point of view or beliefs.

• conflicting viewpoint

• supportive viewpoint

• neutral viewpoint

• aligned viewpoint