Literature Terms

Front 1

A minor character whose situation or actions parallel those of a major character, and thus by contrast sets off or illuminates the major character; most often the contrast in complimentary to the major character.

Back 1

Foil character

Front 2

A narrative or description that has a second meaning beneath the surface, often relating each literal term to a fixed, correspinding abstract idea or moral principle: usually, the ulterior meanings belong to a pre-existing system of ideas or principles.

Back 2

Allegory

Front 3

A reference, explicit or implicit, to somthing in previous literature or history.

Back 3

Allusion

Front 4

Any force in a story or play that is in conflict with the protagonist. May be another person, as aspect of the physical or social environment, or a destructive element in the protagonist's own nature.

Back 4

Antagonist

Front 5

Any of the persons presented in a story or play.

Back 5

Character

Front 6

A character whose distinguishing moral qualities or personal traits are summed up in one or two traits.

Back 6

Flat character