| A | B | 
| allusion | reference to a person, literary work, or work of art | 
| character | person or animal that takes part in a literary work | 
| dynamic | a character who changes | 
| static | a character who doesn't change | 
| characterization | the process by which authors create memorable characters | 
| dialogue | conversation of two | 
| monologue | conversation | 
| soliloquy | long speech by a character who is alone | 
| plot | sequence of events | 
| exposition | background; introduction of characters, setting and basic situation | 
| climax | point of highest interest or suspense | 
| resolution | outcome, result | 
| flashback | interruption of actions to go to past | 
| irony | a contradiction; strange twist | 
| dramatic irony | contradiction between what a character thinks and what the audience knows | 
| stage directions | notes that describe how a work is to be performed or staged | 
| symbol | an object that has extended meaning | 
| shock of recognition | seeing yourself in a situation or a character | 
| theme | central message or purpose of a literary work |