Literary Criticism

This list includes common literary terms; for additional literary terms, please see the Purdue OWL - Literary Terms link below this list.

• Imagery: Used to describe an author’s use of vivid descriptions. 
• Style: Used to describe the way an author uses language to convey his/her ideas and purpose in writing. 
• Symbol(ism): An object or element used to represent another concept or concern. 
• Theme: A main idea or an underlying meaning of a literary work that may be stated directly or indirectly.  
• Tone: A way of communicating information that conveys an attitude. 
• Antagonist: A character(s) in a text with whom the protagonist opposes. 
• Protagonist: The primary character in a text, often positioned as “good” or the character with whom readers are expected to identify. 
• Climax: The height of conflict and intrigue in a narrative. 
• Denouement: The “falling action” of a narrative, when the climax and central conflicts are resolved and a resolution is found.