Essential Literary Terms and Definitions

Key Literary Concepts and Definitions

Literary Forms and Genres

Literature

The art or way to express oneself through written words and to keep a record.

Lyrics/Poetry

Written expression of thoughts, feelings, and desires, conveyed through suggestive and indirect language.

Epic

A narrative poem written in heroic hexameter. It has four constituent parts: plot, character, thought, and diction.

Drama

Poetic compositions designed to be acted in front of audiences in a theatron.

Tragedy

Defined as "the imitation of an action that is serious and also as having magnitude, complete in itself." It is a form of drama exciting the emotions of pity and fear.

Narrative Structure Elements

Plot

The structure or organization of events that make up a fictional story.

Introduction

The part where the reader is hooked and their attention captured.

Rising Action

A series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension in a narrative.

Climax

The turning point; the point of greatest suspense or action.

Falling Action

Actions and events that occur after the climax.

Resolution

The end of the story, where conflicts or problems are solved.

Elements of Fiction: Character and Setting

Characters

Individuals within a narrative. They can be:

• Flat: A type of character in fiction that does not change significantly from the start of the narrative to its end.
• Round: Complex characters who undergo development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader.

Setting

The environment or surroundings in which an event or story takes place. It comprises:

• Time: May involve specific references to dates or events, or it may be more subtly indicated by references to clothing, furniture, etc.
• Space: Not merely a physical location for characters to move in, it usually contributes additional meaning to a narrative by providing either correspondences or contrasts to the plot or the characters.

Atmosphere and Mood

Mood

A literary element that evokes certain feelings or vibes in readers through words and descriptions. It is often referred to as the atmosphere of a literary piece, creating an emotional setting that surrounds the readers.

Examples of mood include:

• Shady: Suggests untrustworthy, suspicious, or questionable intent in actions.
• Gloomy: Dark, depressing, or dim.
• Cheerful: Evokes joy, humor, or good spirits; a bright atmosphere that makes people feel happy.