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Transitions ELA Literary Terms

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  • Idiom
    An expression that is clear only to those who are familiar with the language it is written in and cannot be understood literally.
  • Irony
    When the outcome of something differs from what is expected.
  • Characterization
    Using direct and indirect methods to describe qualities and features of a person in a piece of literature.
  • Cliche
    An expression that has been used so often that its meaning and impact are no longer effective.
  • Point of View
    The position from which a story is told.
  • Genre
    The various classifications of literary work. (EX: comedy, mystery, romance)
  • Onomatopoeia
    A word that sounds like the action that it describes or represents.
  • Climax
    Marks the place in a literary work that is the most significant to the main character and/or the plot.
  • Protagonist
    The main character in a story.
  • Similie
    Comparing two different things by using like or as.
  • Oxymoron
    Combining two words with contrasting meanings to convey a single idea.
  • Resolution
    The events that occur after the climax but before the story's end.
  • Foreshadowing
    Information in a story that forewarns of a future event and is not fully understood until after the event. (a clue or hint)
  • Paradox
    A statement that initially seems to contradict itself but includes a fundamental truth.
  • Pun
    Using similar or identical sounding words to create an alternate meaning to the sentence.
  • Euphemism
    A polite word or phrase used in place of an offensive word or phrase.
  • Symbol
    A thing, person or place that is presented as a representation of a larger meaning.
  • Setting
    The time and place the story happens.
  • Conflict
    The struggle between two or more forces that drive the plot.
  • Figurative Language
    The use of words to affect a meaning other than the usual or literal meaning of those words.
  • Antagonist
    The force opposing the main character (protagonist).
  • Style
    How the author's specific use of words makes his or her writing unique.
  • Metaphor
    Comparing similar things directly (WITHOUT using like or as)
  • Alliteration
    The repetition of consonant sounds within a phrase or sentence
  • Analogy
    Comparing similar concepts, characters, or works of literature so the reader better understands a difficult idea.
  • Flashback
    A scene that takes place earlier than the the story's current time.
  • Assonance
    The repetition of similar vowel sounds found within or at the end of words and phrases.
  • Personification
    Attributing human characteristics to inanimate objects, natural forces, animals or ideas.
  • Imagery
    The use of descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader.
  • Allusion
    A direct or indirect reference to a significant person, event, time or work of literature.
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