Allusion
A reference in one work of literature to a person, place or event in another work of literature or in history, art or music
Comic Relief
A humorous or farcical (absurd) interlude in a serious literary work or drama, especially a tragedy intended to relieve the dramatic tension
Personification
An animal, object, natural force or idea is given a personality and described as a human
Metaphor
The comparison of two unlike things (does not use like or as)
Prose
Ordinary speech or writing metrical structure.
Pun
A humorous use of a word or phrase to suggest more meaning at the same time
Apostrophe
The speaker directly addresses a person who is not there, an imaginary entity, something inhuman, or a concept.
Soliloquy
When a character speaks to himself and reveals his or her thoughts without addressing the listener
Simile
A comparison made between two dissimilar things using the words like or as
Oxymoron
A figure of speech that combines apparently contradictory terms
Hubris
Excessive pride or self-confidence
Conflict
A struggle between two opposing forces (internal or external)
Conceit
An elaborate and often surprising comparison between two highly dissimilar things. Often take the form of extended metaphors.
Sonett
A 14-line poem, usually written in iambic pentameter, with a varied rhyme scheme.
Aside
Words spoken by a character in play, usually in an undertone and not intended
Monologue
A long, uninterrupted speech presented in front of other characters
Concealment
When a character appears on stage but the other characters are unaware of his or her presence.
Foil
A character who sets off another character by contrast (the characters are opposite of one another)
Hamartia
tragic flaw which causes a character's downfall
Couplet
Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme