English 9 Honors Literary Terms

The sequence of events within a literary work. The plot usually begins with an exposition. The central conflict is introduced and developed throughout the rising action until the action reaches its highest point of interest or suspense, which is known as the climax.

A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory

A series of events that builds from the conflict. It begins with the inciting force and ends with the climax.

The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex

The falling action is the series of events which take place after the climax

The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter

The place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place

A psychological conflict within the central character. The primary struggle is between different aspects of a single personality.

A struggle occurring outside the mind of a character

irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play

Verbal irony is a figure of speech that occurs when a person says one thing but means the opposite.

The act of describing distinctive characteristics or essential features

The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text

A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary

Conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie