1. Diction-Authors word Choice (formal, informal, technical, common).
2. Figurative language-allows the reader to understand ideas beyond the literal meaning. Words are often used to symbolize ideas and concepts they would not normally be associated with. (examples: figurative language, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole).
3. Characterization-the various different techniques the writer uses to develop characters, including direct and indirect references. (Example: make direct comments about the character’s personality vs. presenting the character’s own thoughts, speech or actions).
4. Author’s Purpose: Inform (news report), persuade (argumentative piece), entertain (magazine)
Imagery: descriptive words and phrases that appeal to the audience’s five senses.
6. Main idea: the basic idea the author is trying to relay to the reader
7. Supporting details-details the author uses to get across his or her main idea.
8. Point of view: The story is told through whose eyes
9. 1st person (“I”), 3rd person (he, she, they), 3rd person omniscient (all knowing character), 3rd person limited-narrator is all knowing about only one character.
10. Flashback-a thought, conversation, episode or event that interrupts the flow of the story to give the audience information crucial to the plot or character development.
11. Foreshadowing: Hints or clues that the author gives to suggest what will happen later in the story. Used to create suspense, mystery, or surprise.
12. Mood: the feeling or atmosphere the writer creates for the reader. A mood is developed through a writer’s use of imagery, diction, and details.
13. Flat character: character who only has one or two sides (usually a stereotype). They help move the plot along more quickly because the audience immediately understands what the character is about.
14. Round character: complex characters, many sides, unpredictable behavior, antagonists are usually round characters.
15. Dynamic: a character who experiences an essential change in personality or attitude. Protagonists are usually dynamic.
16. Static character: doesn’t change or develop beyond the way he or she is first presented.
17. Plot: simply put, plot is what happens in the story. Sometimes called a storyline.
18. Setting: provides the when and where the story took place. Offers context or historical background which the story is set and provides us with additional plot information.
19. External conflict: Char. vs. char, char vs. society, char vs. nature.
20. Internal conflict: the protagonist in the story experiences conflict with her or his conscience.
21. Inference-making an educated guess.