Literary Terms I (Fiction)

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Allegory

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The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.

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Allusion

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The act of alluding; indirect reference (Biblical)

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Denotation

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The most specific or direct meaning of a word, in contrast to its figurative or associated meanings

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Connotation

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An idea or meaning suggested by or associated with a word or thing: Hollywood holds connotations of romance and glittering success.

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Irony

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The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning

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Personification

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A person or thing typifying a certain quality or idea; an embodiment or exemplification: “He's invisible, a walking personification of the Negative” (Ralph Ellison).

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Antagonist

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The principal character in opposition to the protagonist or hero of a narrative or drama.

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Protagonist

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The main character in a drama or other literary work

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Pathos

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A quality, as of an experience or a work of art, that arouses feelings of pity, sympathy, tenderness, or sorrow. (evict emotion)

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Satire

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Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity

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Symbol

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Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible

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Point of View

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The attitude or outlook of a narrator or character in a piece of literature, a movie, or another art form.

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Theme

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An implicit or recurrent idea; a motif: a theme of powerlessness that runs through the diary; a party with a tropical island theme.

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Tone

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Manner of expression in speech or writing: took an angry tone with the reporters.

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Monologe

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A long speech made by one person, often monopolizing a conversation. (soliloquy)