antagonist

1. antagonist Definition – the person or thing working against the main character Synonyms – competitor, foe Antonyms – friend, helper Sentence – The bear was Brian’s antagonist. Etymology - 1575

2. author’s purpose Definition – his or her reason for creating a work – to inform, explain, entertain, or reveal an important truth Synonyms – reason for writing Antonyms – accidental Sentence – Etymology – 15th century Middle English, from Anglo- French, from Latin

3. character Definition – a person, animal, or imaginary creature that takes part in the action of a story. Synonyms – personality, actor Antonyms – reader, audience Sentence – Katniss Everdeen is my favorite character. Etymology – 14th century Middle English, from Latin

4. characterization Definition – techniques an author uses to develop the personality of a character. Synonyms – depict, portray Antonyms – conceal, hide Sentence – The author’s characterization of Brian was highly descriptive. Etymology - 1814

5. dynamic or round character Definition – a person who changes in personality or attitude. Synonyms – Charles/Laurie, Tessie Hutchinson Antonyms – Mr. Summers Sentence – Laurie changes from a little boy to a trouble- maker in Kindergarten.

6. static or flat character Definition – a person who stays the same. Synonyms – Mr. Summers Antonyms – Tessie Hutchinson Sentence – In “The Lottery,” Mr. Hutchinson remained business-like and focused on his task the entire story.

7. climax Definition – high point or turning point in a story. Usually the most intense point. Synonyms – peak, highlight Antonyms – calm, bottom Sentence – The climax of the story frightened the class. Etymology – Late Latin, from Greek, 1550

8. conflict Definition – a struggle between opposing forces, it causes the action of the story Synonyms – fight, battle Antonyms – agreement, peace Sentence – The plot revolves around conflict. Etymology–15th century Middle English, from Latin

9. context clues Definition – words or sentences near an unknown word that help the reader figure out the meaning Synonyms – vocabulary hints Antonyms – hide, secret

10. dialect Definition – a form of language that is spoken in a particular place or by a particular group of people Synonyms – jargon, expression Antonyms – dialogue

11. dialogue Definition – words that the characters speak Synonyms – conversation Antonyms – silence

12. diction Definition – choice of words, clear and accurate pronunciation Synonyms – wording, phrasing Antonyms – mumble

13. direct characterization Definition – the writer makes ..straightforward statements ..about a character’s ..personality Synonyms – straightforward, tells Antonyms – roundabout

14. dynamic character Definition – changes from the beginning of the story to the end of the story. Synonyms – changes, evolves, grows Antonyms – unchanging, fixed

15. exposition Definition – the first part of a plot. The author describes setting, gives background information, and introduces characters. Synonyms – explanation, description Antonyms – ending, resolution

16. fiction Definition – tension decreases as the conflict begins to be settled Synonyms – clear up, settle Antonyms – unsettle, confuse

17. foreshadow Definition – to give a hint to the reader about what is to come in the story Synonyms – hint, warn, reveal Antonyms – withhold, silent

18. falling action Definition – tension decreases as the conflict begins to be settled Synonyms – clear up, settle Antonyms – unsettle, confuse

19. genre Definition – a category of literature Synonyms – grouping, sort, type Antonyms – theme, style

20. indirect characterization Definition – the writer reveals info about a character through that character’s thoughts, words, and actions and through the views and opinions of others Synonyms – roundabout, indirect Antonyms – straightforward

21. inference Definition – a logical guess based on evidence in the text Synonyms – assumption, conclusion Antonyms – fact

22. irony Definition – when the intended meaning is the opposite of what is shown or expected Synonyms – satire, twist, paradox Antonyms – expected, anticipated Sentence – The ending of “The Lottery” is ironic because their isn’t a positive prize. Etymology – 1502, Latin from Greek

23. mood Definition – the feeling a literary work gives to readers. Words, phrases, and images create mood. Synonyms – atmosphere, feelings, outlook Antonyms – tone, traits

24. Motive or Motivation Definition - The reason behind an individual’s action(s). Remember “The Lottery?” What motive did the villagers have for killing Tessie Hutchinson? Historically, mostly women where stoned. What motive did people have for stoning women to death?

25. narrative Definition – a story, either fiction or nonfiction Synonyms – story, tale Antonyms – poem, speech

26. oral tradition Definition – the passing of stories from generation to generation by word of mouth Synonyms – storytelling Antonyms – writing

27. predict Definition – foretell on the basis of observation Synonyms – forecast Antonyms – hind sight Sentence – I predicted that Brian would be rescued. Etymology – Latin, 1609

28. point of view Definition – the perspective from which the story is told Synonyms – narrator Antonyms – audience

29. plot Definition – the action or sequence of events in a story Synonyms – action, storyline Antonyms – accident, chance

30. protagonist Definition – the main character or most important character Synonyms – leading role Antonyms – competitor, opponent

31. resolution Definition – the ending, brings the story to a satisfactory close. Synonyms – end, outcome Antonyms – start

32. rising action Definition – the series of conflicts or struggles that build a story. Tensions rise. Synonyms – problems, conflict Antonyms – peace, agreement

33. setting Definition – the time and place in which the action of a literary work occurs Synonyms – scene, location Antonyms –plot, character

34. subplot Definition – a minor or secondary plot in a novel, play, film, TV show, etc. Synonyms – subordinate plot Antonyms – main plot Sentence – A subplot in The Hunger Games is the relationship between Katniss’ mom and Peeta’s father.

35. static character Definition – stays the same throughout the story Synonyms – unchanging, fixed Antonyms – changing, evolving

36. style Definition – the way the author uses words, phrases, and sentences Synonyms – method, technique Antonyms – theme

37. symbol Definition –a person, place, thing or event used to represent something else. Synonyms – concept, idea Antonyms – plot Sentence – The flag is a symbol of the United States.

38. theme Definition – a writer’s message or main idea Synonyms – big idea, message Antonyms – meaningless

39. tone Definition – the attitude the writer takes toward the audience, the subject, or a character Synonyms – attitude, opinion Antonyms – mood, voice