epiphany
a sudden revelation or flash of insight
characterization
the act of creating and developing a character
verbal irony
a contradiction between what is stated and what is meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens
motivation
a reason that explains a character's thoughts, actions, or speech
static character
a character who does not change in the course of a work
anecdote
a brief story about an interesting, amusing, or strange event that is told to entertain or make a point
irony of situation
a contradiction between an action that occurs and the expectations of the characters, of the reader, or of the audience
dramatic irony
a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows
flat character
a character who is one dimensional
direct characterization
used when a write simply states a character's traits
round character
a character that is complex and multi faced, like a real person
protagonist
the main character in a literary work
crisis
the turning point for the protagonist in the story's plot
hyperbole
a deliberate exaggeration or overstatement, often used for comic effect
parody
a humorous imitation of a literary work, one that exaggerates or distorts the characteristic features of the original
antagonist
a character or force that is in conflict with the main character
minor character
a character who does not play a significant role in the story
irony
in this, a word or phrase is used to suggest the opposite of its usual meaning
indirect characterization
used when a writer reveals a character through his or her words, thoughts, or actions; descriptions of the character's appearance or background; what other characters say about the character; or the ways in which other characters react to the character
symbol
anything that stands for or represents something else
foil
a character who provides a contrast to another character
dialogue
a conversation between characters used to reveal characters, to present events, to add variety to narratives, and to arouse readers' interest
major characters
includes the main character or any other characters who play significant roles in the story
dynamic character
a character who changes in the course of a story
character
a person or animal that takes part in the action of a literary work