A-Level English Literature
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Allegory characters and events represent qualities or concepts
Alliteration repetition of initial consonant sounds
Allusion a reference to a literary work, myth, Biblical story, historical event, or some other
cultural artefact
Archetype the original pattern or model from which all other similar items are derived; a
primordial, universal symbol
Assonance repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words
Characterization process of character development in a text
Static Character Remains unchanged throughout a work (e.g. Elizabeth Lavenza)
Dynamic Character Change (for better or worse) in response to circumstances or experience
(e.g Offred)
Flat Character Caricatures, defined by a single idea or quality (Safie; Caroline Beaufort)
Round Character fully developed, with complexities of real people (Victor, the Creature,
Offred, Serena Joy etc etc)
Protagonist central character, usually identical to the hero
Antagonist Character pitted against the protagonist
Foil Character, who by contrast with the protagonist, serves to accentuate that character's
distinctive qualities
Comedy any amusing and entertaining work using humor or wit as the essential element;
intended purpose may be to evoke laughter
Conflict confrontation or struggle between opposing characters or plot of narrative work,
from which the action emanates and around which it evolves. There are 4 types.
Physical Conflict Elemental clash between character and Nature, or the physical
environment
Social Conflict competition or struggle within society
Internal/psychological Conflict inner divisions or turmoil of a single character
Metaphysical ConflictClash between a human being and Fate or a deity
Connotation The associations called up by a word that goes beyond its dictionary meaning.
Poets, especially, tend to use words rich in connotation.
Consonance Repetition of consonant sounds, not necessarily initial
Convention A customary feature of a literay work, such as the use of a chorus in Greek
tragedy, the inclusion of an explicit moral in a fable, or the use of a particular rhyme scheme in a
villanelle. Literary conventions are defining features of particular literary genres, such as novel,
short story, ballad or play.
Denotation The dictionary meaning of the word. Writers typically play off word's denotative
meaning against its connotations, or suggested and implied associational implications.
Denouement The resolution of the plot of a literary work.
Diction An author's choice of words
Enjambment use of a line of poetry whose sense and rhythmic movement continues to the next
line; "run-off" line
Get a hint
Allegory characters and events represent qualities or concepts
Alliteration repetition of initial consonant sounds
Allusion a reference to a literary work, myth, Biblical story, historical event, or some other
cultural artefact
Archetype the original pattern or model from which all other similar items are derived; a
primordial, universal symbol
Assonance repetition of vowel sounds in a series of words
Characterization process of character development in a text
Static Character Remains unchanged throughout a work (e.g. Elizabeth Lavenza)
Dynamic Character Change (for better or worse) in response to circumstances or experience
(e.g Offred)
Flat Character Caricatures, defined by a single idea or quality (Safie; Caroline Beaufort)
Round Character fully developed, with complexities of real people (Victor, the Creature,
Offred, Serena Joy etc etc)
Protagonist central character, usually identical to the hero
Antagonist Character pitted against the protagonist
Foil Character, who by contrast with the protagonist, serves to accentuate that character's
distinctive qualities
Comedy any amusing and entertaining work using humor or wit as the essential element;
intended purpose may be to evoke laughter
Conflict confrontation or struggle between opposing characters or plot of narrative work,
from which the action emanates and around which it evolves. There are 4 types.
Physical Conflict Elemental clash between character and Nature, or the physical
environment
Social Conflict competition or struggle within society
Internal/psychological Conflict inner divisions or turmoil of a single character
Metaphysical ConflictClash between a human being and Fate or a deity
Connotation The associations called up by a word that goes beyond its dictionary meaning.
Poets, especially, tend to use words rich in connotation.
Consonance Repetition of consonant sounds, not necessarily initial
Convention A customary feature of a literay work, such as the use of a chorus in Greek
tragedy, the inclusion of an explicit moral in a fable, or the use of a particular rhyme scheme in a
villanelle. Literary conventions are defining features of particular literary genres, such as novel,
short story, ballad or play.
Denotation The dictionary meaning of the word. Writers typically play off word's denotative
meaning against its connotations, or suggested and implied associational implications.
Denouement The resolution of the plot of a literary work.
Diction An author's choice of words
Enjambment use of a line of poetry whose sense and rhythmic movement continues to the next
line; "run-off" line
