Alliteration
The repetition of sounds, especially initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words (as in "she sells sea shells").
Allusion
A direct or indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.
Connotation
The non-literal meaning of a word; the implied, suggested meaning.
Denotation
The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word
Figurative Language
Writing or speech that is not intended to carry literal meaning and is usually meant to be imaginative and vivid
Genre
The major category into which a literary work fits. The basic divisions of literature are prose, poetry, and drama.
Hyperbole
A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.
Imagery
The sensory details or figurative language used to describe, arouse emotion, or represent abstractions. Imagery uses terms related to the five senses: visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory, and olfactory.
Inference/infer
To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.
Irony/ironic
The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant, or the difference between what appears to be and what is actually true. Often used to create poignancy or humor.
Metaphor
A figure of speech using implied comparison of seemingly unlike things. (without using 'like' or 'as')
Mood
The feeling or atmosphere of the story.
onomatopoeia
A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Simple examples include such words as buzz, hiss, hum, crack, whinny, and murmur.
Oxymoron
Apparently contradictory terms used together. Simple examples include "jumbo shrimp" and "cruel kindness.
Personification
A figure of speech in which the author describes concepts, animals, or objects by giving them human attributes or emotions.
Point of view
In literature, the perspective from which a story is told. (first-person, third-person)
Repetition
The duplication, either exact or approximate, of any element of language, such as a sound, word, phrase, clause, sentence, or grammatical pattern.
Symbol/symbolism
Something that represents something more abstract. (a rose representing love, a tree representing knowledge)
Theme
The central idea or message of a work; the insight it offers into life.
Tone
Similar to mood, tone describes the author's attitude toward his material, the audience, or both.
Simile
Comparing two things using the word "like" or "as.
Assonance
Repetition of a vowel sound within two or more words in close proximity
Dialogue
Conversation between characters
Plot
Sequence of events in a story
Exposition
Background information presented in a literary work.
Climax
Most exciting moment of the story; turning point
Resolution
Closing of the story that ties everything together
Protagonist
Main character in a story
Antagonist
A character who tries to keep the protagonist from reaching his/her goal
Foreshadowing
A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.
Flashback
A method of narration in which present action is temporarily interrupted so that the reader can witness past events
Conflict
Man Vs. Man
Man Vs. Nature
Man Vs. Self
Man Vs. Technology
Man Vs. Fate
Man Vs. Super Natural
Man Vs. Society
Allusion
A reference to another well known piece of literature.
Evidence
Fact or Proof to back up your claim or argument.
Theme
The author's message or lesson developed in a story.
Argument
Also known as a claim or thesis. The point you are trying to convey.
Point of View
The perspective from which the story is told.
Main Idea or Central Idea
What the story is mainly about. The focus of the story.
Character Trait
Words used to describe a character's actions, dialogue, thoughts, or personality.
Prologue
The introductory part of a book or a play.
Epilogue
A concluding part added to the end of a story to give information about additional stories in the series.
Analogy
A complex comparison made between two unalike objects.