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Literary Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| characterization | the act of creating and developing a character |
| author's purpose | the author's reason for creating a work |
| theme | the main idea or message of the story that the author wants the reader to know |
| conflict | major struggle between characters or opposing forces |
| plot | a sequence of related events that make up a story |
| setting | time and place in which the action of the story takes place |
| exposition | the first part of a plot that explains, informs, or presents information |
| rising action | events from a story proceeding the climax where various problems arise |
| climax | high point of interest or suspense and action in the story |
| falling action | part of the story which follows the climax and leads to the resolution |
| resolution | the end of the central story of play |
| point of view | how the author chooses to tell the story |
| simile | comparing one thing to another using "like" or "as" |
| metaphor | comparing 2 different things without a comparison word |
| personification | a form of figurative language in which an idea, object, or animal is given human characteristics |
| alliteration | repetition of initial sounds, common in poetry, advertising, and tongue twisters |
| hyperbole | obvious exaggeration that is intended for effect |
| irony | using a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its normal meaning |