hyperbole exaggeration for an effect
indirect characterization subtle portrayal of personality by showing, not telling, i.e., through thoughts, words, and actions...
inference the act of finding meaning not stated
exposition the setting forth of a situation early in a text
rising action events that increase conflict, leading toward the climax
epiphany moment of insight or understanding, often occurring during the falling action
resolution the settling or unwinding of a conflict
predicament a quandary or situation - forcing choices or change
symbolism a device in literature where an object represents an idea or emotion
theme a message or meaning that builds in a story
static character a character who does not change or evolve
round character a character who is 3-D and complex (not about growth)
dynamic character a character who changes and evolves
stock character a character who represents a conventional attitude or stereotyped role
climax the moment of highest tension; things are afterward very different
crisis a moment of tension or flashpoint, but the conflict is unresolved
contrast differences that highlight, making something "pop" out
foreshadowing the use of hints and clues to suggest what will happen later in a plot
verbal irony the words literally state the opposite of the writer's true meaning; sarcasm
situational irony an outcome or events that turn out to be very different from what was expected
allusion a reference to another text, work of art or literature or object
epithet a colorful phrase that describes the attributes of a person or thing (contemptuous, praiseful or humorous)
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