a long narrative poem about the deeds of gods or heroes
epic
larger-than-life figure who embodies the ideals of a nation or race
epic hero
A character who is used as a contrast to another character
foil
a struggle between opposing forces; in literature, common types are man v. self, man v. society, man v. man, or man v. nature
conflict
struggle between a character and an outside force such as nature or another character
external conflict
A struggle between opposing needs, desires, or emotions within a single character; man v self
internal conflict
A descriptive name or phrase used to characterize someone or something
epithet
a detailed comparison in the form of a simile that is many lines in length
epic or Homeric simile
to make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet, calm
assuage
deprived of; made unhappy through a loss
bereft
enthusiasm or passion
ardor
intended to deceive or entrap; sly, treacherous
insidious
(adj.) bending easily, limber
lithe
hard to believe
incredulous
