| A | B |
|---|
| antagonist | the character that works against the main character |
| character | a person who figures into the action of a literary work |
| characterization | use of literary techniques to create a character |
| climax | turning point or highest point of interest in a story |
| conflict | the struggle or problem in a work of literature |
| dénouement | ties up all the loose ends of the story |
| exposition | the beginning of a story |
| external conflict | causes a character to be at odds with another character or outside force |
| falling action | all action following the climax and leads to resolution |
| first person point of view | told from vantage point of a character within a story |
| Freytag's Pyramid | the proper name for a plot diagram |
| hyperbole | extreme exaggeration |
| internal conflict | causes a character to be at odds with himself |
| myth | a story that uses supernatural forces and entities to explain objects or events in the natural world |
| plot | series of events in a story |
| point of view | the vantage point from which a story is told |
| protagonist | the main character |
| resolution | point in the story where the central conflict is solved |
| rising action | conflicts that lead up to the climax of a story |
| third person point of view | the narrator stands outside of the action |
| wavering | moving unsteadily back and forth |
| assail | to attack violently; assault |
| bountiful | liberal in bestowing gifts; generous |
| confer | to discuss; compare opinions |
| abashed | ashamed or embarrassed |
| frivolity | the quality or state of being self-indulgent |
| maltreat | to treat or handle badly; abuse |
| discreet | careful with regard to respecting privacy |
| improvise | to do something without previous preparation |
| illusion | something that deceives by producing a misleading impression of reality |
| tentative | done as a trial; experimental |
| mortified | to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one’s pride or self-respect |
| revere | to regard with respect tinged with awe |
| denounce | to condemn openly or publicly |
| compel | to force or drive to do something |
| reluctant | unwillingly; disinclined |
| destitute | deprived of, devoid of, or lacking |
| indignantly | expressing strong displeasure at something considered offensive |
| escarpment | a long, steep cliff |
| repress | to keep down or suppress by pressure |
| careen | lurch from side to side, especially while moving rapidly |
| caul | membrane enclosing a fetus or newborn baby |
| compromise | settle by having both sides make concessions |
| embitter | make resentful |
| endeavor | attempt; effort |
| evanesce | disappear |
| heresy | rejection of a belief that is part of an established set of beliefs |
| imminent | likely to happen |
| infallibility | correctness, incapacity for error |
| iridescent | having shifting changes in color |
| languor | lack of interest |
| marauder | one who raids and plunders |
| pinion | bind |
| plight | dangerous situation |
| precipitous | steep |
| reconciliation | settling of problems or disputes |
| reiterate | repeat |
| restraining | controlling or disciplining |
| skiff | small, open boat |
| sullenly | gloomily |
| vortex | whirlpool or eddy |
