Literary Terms and Definitions

The time and place of a story is called ________.

• setting

• plot

• theme

• character

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Using an object or word to represent an abstract idea is called ________.

• symbolism

• metaphor

• alliteration

• hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

A genre that is set in the past and may include real people, places or significant events from history is called ________.

• historical fiction

• science fiction

• fantasy

• mystery

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

The author tells you explicitly what a character is like. This is called ________.

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

• foreshadowing

• dialogue

The standpoint from which a story is told is called ________.

• point of view

• plot

• setting

• theme

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

The anxiety a reader feels about what may happen next in a story is called ________.

• suspense

• relief

• humor

• confusion

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

The most exciting or intense part of the story for the protagonist; a turning point in the story is called the ________.

• climax

• introduction

• resolution

• setting

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

A single line of poetry is called a ________.

• verse

• stanza

• paragraph

• chapter

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

The atmosphere or feeling created by a work of literature is called ________.

• mood

• theme

• plot

• setting

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

A character that remains the same throughout the story is called a ________.

• static character

• dynamic character

• protagonist

• antagonist